July 19, 2005—Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ) issued the following statement this evening regarding President Bush’s nomination of Judge John G. Roberts, Jr. as the replacement justice of Sandra Day O’Connor for the Supreme Court of the United States:

 “Based on what I know of Judge John Roberts, I believe future American generations will recall  his nomination to the United States Supreme Court with abiding respect and affection toward  President George W. Bush.”

 “Judge John Roberts has proven himself to be a man of judicial fealty to the plain and timeless  intent of the United States Constitution as written.”

 “I believe the nation owes President George W. Bush a debt of heartfelt gratitude for his wise and  courageous nomination of Judge John Roberts to the United States Supreme Court.”

 “I believe the nomination of Judge John Roberts to the United States Supreme Court will be a  centerpiece in the honorable legacy of President George W. Bush.”

Judge Roberts received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University in 1976, his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1979, and upon graduation became law clerk for the Hon. Henry Friendly, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 1979-1980.  He then worked as law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice William Rehnquist, 1980-1981; special assistant to the attorney general, U.S. Department of Justice, 1981-1982; associate counsel to the president, White House Counsel's Office, 1982-1986; private practiced law in Washington, DC, 1986-1989, 1993-2003; and served as principal deputy solicitor general, U.S. Department of Justice, 1989-1993.

Trent Franks is the Congressman from the 2nd Congressional District of Arizona.  He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and Vice Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee.