Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson said today that the nomination of  Judge John Roberts for the U.S. Supreme Court should be greeted with a fair and reasoned confirmation process in the Senate.

 “I urge my fellow lawmakers to undertake this scrutiny of the President’s nominee with deliberation and civility. Let’s embark on this debate with the goal of finding the best-qualified individual,” Rep. Johnson said.

 “Justice Roberts has already demonstrated a fine legal mind and the kind of judicial temperament that would be a credit to the Court. I would hope we could bring credit to this process and to our system of government with dignity and open minds,” Rep. Johnson said. “We can have legitimate disagreements without losing sight of the goal of good government.”

Rep. Johnson credited President Bush with engaging in unprecedented consultation, personally reaching out to more than 60 Senators, including every member of the Judiciary Committee and more than two-thirds of the Democratic Senators.

 “Judicial qualifications should be judged independent of ideology,” Johnson said. “The President has demonstrated his belief in civil dialogue and consultation. I would hope this process continues in that vein.” 

Johnson’s appeal for civility in the process arises in part from his leadership in the Center Aisle Caucus, a new caucus whose chairmanship he shares with U.S. Rep. Steve Israel of New York. The intent of the caucus is to bring together members of both political parties in an attempt to find common ground. The caucus now includes more than 20 members of each party, plus honorary chairmanships of former Democratic Speaker of the House Thomas Foley and former Republican Leader Robert Michel.

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