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President Bush announces first Supreme Court nominee

President Bush on Tuesday chose as his first Supreme Court nominee U.S. Circuit Judge John Roberts Jr., a known conservative whose selection pleased Republicans but prompted Democrats to vow a thorough review in the Senate. If confirmed by the Senate, Roberts would replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O`Connor, who gained a reputation as a moderate swing voter in her 24 terms on the nation`s highest court. O`Connor had stated in her letter of resignation that her retirement would only take effect once her replacement had been chosen and confirmed by the Senate. Bush`s announcement was televised nationally Tuesday evening from the White House, and ended almost three weeks of wide speculation about who would take Sandra Day O`Connor`s pivotal place on the court.

Bush called the selection of a nominee to the high court ",one of the most consequential decisions a president makes.",

Roberts, 50, who currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, is considered the most influential federal panel outside of the Supreme Court and only took the bench in 2003 after his confirmation was held up two years by Senate Democrats. A veteran appellate attorney, Roberts has argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court, both in private practice and as deputy solicitor general during the elder Bush`s administration.