Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement following the confirmation of John Roberts as the 17th Chief Justice of the United States. Graham is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “I’m pleased Judge Roberts was confirmed today by the U.S. Senate. He is a well-qualified nominee and may be the best legal mind in the country. There’s no doubt President Bush knocked it out of the park when he selected John Roberts. I think most Americans will feel comfortable knowing he will be judging their cases on the Supreme Court. “As for the Senate, I think the body acquitted itself well during the confirmation process and upheld the best traditions of the Senate. A few months ago, I would have never believed that was possible. “As we look to the future, we should note President Clinton had two opportunities to appoint justices to the Supreme Court. He chose the general counsel of the ACLU and a Democratic staffer. Those nominees received very large bipartisan Senate votes. Like President Clinton, President Bush is going to have the same opportunity. “I hope President Bush fulfills his campaign promise and picks another well-qualified strict constructionist for the Supreme Court.” #####