Christian Conservatives Urge Supporters to Call for Roberts Confirmation

WASHINGTON – With only two days left before the Senate Judiciary Committee decides on Judge John Robert’s confirmation, Christian advocacy groups in Washington are urging their supporters to “call your senators” and “utilize this rare opportunity to help restore sound judgment” in the nation’s High Court.

“This Thursday marks a pivotal day in the life of our country as the Senate Judiciary Committee decides whether or not to send Judge John G. Roberts, Jr. to the full Senate for a vote to become the next Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court,” Richard Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission wrote in a statement titled, “Confirm John Roberts.”

In his statement, which was sent out by electronic mail to the ERLC supporters today, Land pointed out the urgency of this nomination in light of the issues that have faced the Supreme Court in recent months.

“It only takes five people in black robes to determine such crucial issues for our country as abortion, pornography, same-sex ‘marriage,’ and religious liberties,” Land wrote.

Christian conservatives have generally backed Roberts since President Bush nominated him to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor last month. Their support – and praise – grew stronger when he was elevated as a nominee to fill the seat of the late Chief Justice, William H. Rehnquist.

“He’s a very solid candidate, will make a stellar contribution to our country as well as to our courts,” Barrett Duke, the Vice President for the ERLC told the Christian Post Tuesday.

Most political observers, including Duke, believe Roberts will be confirmed.

“I’m confident that John Roberts will be confirmed by the Judiciary Committee as well as the full Senate,” said Duke.

The break-down of support in the Senate has been visibly partisan. Nearly all the Senate’s 55 Republicans said they will likely vote in favor, while the 44 Democrats remained neutral. There are 10 republicans and 8 democrats in the Judiciary committee. Roberts needs a simple majority to be confirmed.

Nonetheless, liberal opponents have carried on a sustained effort to block Roberts’ appointment through memos and notes given to voting Senate members.

"There's been extensive outreach to senators and their staffs by numerous people urging them to vote no on the nomination," said Nan Aron, who heads the Alliance for Justice, to the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Land encouraged Roberts’ supporters to do the same and contact the senate members.

“Your voice is still needed,” he explained. “Please contact your senators and tell them to urge the Judiciary Committee members to vote “yes” on John Roberts.”

For information on how to contact your senator, visit: http://sites.silaspartners.com/forfaithandfamily