"Replacing one right-winger for a right-winger."

Senator Kennedy spouts opinions about replacing Chief Justice Rehnquist. If President Bush were to attempt to elevate either Antonin Scalia or Clarence Thomas to the position, it "would be completely troublesome," and Thomas -- only Thomas -- would surely be defeated.

Intriguingly, Kennedy said that of the three oft-mentioned, younger appeals court judges who are candidates for the chief justice slot - J. Michael Luttig, John Roberts or Michael McConnell - one would be acceptable. "I'm not going to get into which one" because that would be "the kiss of death" for that person, he said.

Hmmm.