Bye Bye Harriet, We Barely Knew You...

So Harriet Miers has withdrawn her nomination (or, more likely, was strongly encouraged by President Bush).

Before all you Democrats get TOO excited about this, think a little about what's coming next:

1) A judge
2) A judge with lots of experience
3) A judge with lots of experience and a paper trail
4) A judge with lots of experience and a paper trail of Conservative accomplishments

Yes, number four is correct. Bush is certainly not interested in becoming a lame duck president this early in his second term, so improving his relationship with the right wing of the Republican Party with be his first priority. There will be no better way to do this than to nominate a VERY conservative judge with clear positions on abortion, church and state issues, and other pet right-wing concerns.

Will moderate Republicans stand up to a candidate like this? Likely not; the party does not want to start a civil war. The only hope is that a few moderate Republican Senators hoping to run for President in 2008 stand up and declare that a more moderate nominee is necessary. But, I just don't think that will happen. Priscilla Owen and Janice Rogers Brown, here we come.