Bush, senators to meet on court vacancy

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- President Bush will meet with top senators on both sides of the aisle before nominating a successor for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

The New York Times reports that Bush will meet Wednesday with Sens. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., the chair of the Judiciary Committee, and majority leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., as well as Sens. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., the ranking Democratic Senator on the Judiciary Committee and minority leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

Bush is looking for a nominee to replace O'Connor after he switched his initial prospect, John Roberts, to replace the late Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist.

Democratic leaders are urging Bush to nominate someone they find more agreeable.

Roberts was grilled hard by Democratic members of the Judiciary Committee this past week as his confirmation process continued.

They criticized him for not answering questions regarding controversial topics.

O'Connor has said she will step down after a replacement has been confirmed.