But, for some reason, I still think it’s funny that over 1,100 law professors have signed a petition supporting Sotomayor’s nomination.  The letter, available here, touts her “unfailing adherence to the rule of law,” ”fidelity to the Constitution,” and “stellar academic record.”  As I said, I have no beef with Sonia Sotomayor, but I just wonder where the support was from legal academia for the Roberts nomination.  If these are components to a good Supreme Court justice, let’s at least pretend to be consistent.

Of course, supporting a Supreme Court nominee too often has little to do with anything but anticipated results.  And it goes to show that even those with advanced professional degrees and longstanding careers specializing in a complicated field are often subject to the same partisan whims as those who more typically possess them.  I supported John Roberts but I also currently support Sonia Sotomayor.  Perhaps I don’t exactly see eye-to-eye with her on the purpose of a Constitution, but I support her nonetheless.  There are, and always have been, competing schools of thought as to what the Constitution is all about.  When we elect a president, voters take this into account – so much as they care to – knowing what’s on the line.  At this stage in the game, qualifications should trump all else.  The last thing I want is a confirmation circus designed to make me think that there’s anything more going on than there really is.