[Overpaid Slacker]

Bob -
This is a common lament of the Right (and one which I believe has more than just a kernel of truth): The Left wants to stack judicial appointments strongly in their favor b/c they know that they'll lose many of the policy battles in the legislature, where "the People" have the most influence and can pass bills that they want. Many of those on the Left believe that the public can't think for itself (ie doesn't agree with the Left) and need to be protected from themselves and their own judgment by appointed judges who can essentially thwart the will of the electorate by "creatively construing" the legislation to redirect its thrust Leftward. Examples are legion (esp if you've gone to law school) but it's another "elephant in the room" to much of the far Left.

JP