McCain's judicial plan draws conservatives

WASHINGTON, June 29 (UPI) -- Presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain is drawing support among U.S. conservatives for his promise to appoint conservative judges, analysts say.

The Politico reported Sunday that while some conservatives offer McCain only tepid support, he is giving them something to like in his judicial philosophy.

"He has attempted to make it clear he's going to appoint judges with a demonstrated conservative record," said Robert Alt, deputy director of the Center for Legal and Judicial studies at the conservative Heritage Foundation, based in Washington.

The Politico said former Bush administration Solicitor General Theodore Olson's role in the McCain campaign has helped draw conservative support. Olson co-chairs McCain's advisory committee on judicial appointments with Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and speaks to groups such as the Republican National Lawyers Association on behalf of the McCain campaign.

"Ted Olson being his key adviser is very promising," said Larry Hart, director of government relations at the American Conservative Union. "If people like Ted Olson are guiding selection of judges, the outcome will be very good for conservatives."