A top Democratic lawmaker has called on President Bush to fill the new vacancy on the Supreme Court with a moderate, mainstream justice.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada charged that President Bush's far-right allies are spending millions of dollars to pressure him to appoint an extreme conservative.
In the Democratic party's weekly radio address Saturday, Mr. Reid said Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who announced her retirement last week, was moderate and balanced the court.
He called for her replacement to be someone who will build on consensus and unite the country. The Senate must approve Mr. Bush's pick.
Senator Reid also called for the perpetrators of the London bombings to be brought to justice, and called for increased efforts in protecting the United States.
