Pres. George W. Bush said that he'd consider nominating to the Supreme Court someone who wasn't a judge. This doesn't mean a civilian, meaning a non-lawyer. My guess is that this means Olson in a heartbeat.
Why?
Because he put Georgie Boy in the White House and GWB is loyal to his friends. Sorenson lost his wife in the 9-11 attack, as she was aboard one of the flights on that day. He is an architect of the Federalist Society revolution in judge-making in America over the last several decades. Pres. Bush appointed him Solicitor General of the U.S. Sometimes known as the 'Tenth Justice.' He recently retired to private practice to make a living commensurate with his stature.
Olson was Bush's lawyer in Bush v. Gore, from Florida to Washington.
If he'll take the job, my guess is that he's the next Chief Justice.
His wife, Laura Bush, is reported to have said that she'd like to see a woman appointed to replace Justice O'Connor.
Let's see, who could that be?
I have no idea.
With Chief Justice Rehnquist, 80, ailing even more, having been admitted to the hospital today with an infection secondary to his cancer treatment and tracheotomy, speculation increases that he may soon retire, giving the president two vacancies to fill.
The last time there was a twofer, Rehnquist and Scalia were the nominees. Rehnquist took all the heat and was confirmed over significant opposition, while Scalia sailed in under the radar, attacking forces having shot their wad at The Rehnq.
I like Scalia. He has some views that have me scratching my head, such as looking to see what the Framers really meant, as though they thought a lot about today's probs, and other views that make me want to stand up and cheer, such as his views in Crawford, in which he says that the right to confront your accuser in criminal cases means to look the lyin' bugger in the eye, man, woman, or child, especially the latter two.
If you've ever defended a factually innocent person against an accusation by anyone, you won't have to ask why, especially the latter two categories.