July of 1993 was an important month for both the city of Philadelphia and for the changing face of the U.S. government.
While the Phillies were beginning a run to the playoffs -- a streak that would eventually lead to the city's first World Series appearance in 10 years -- the last Supreme Court confirmation hearings were held to address the nomination of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Twelve years later, in the midst of a steamy summer, Philadelphia is again the center of attention during the high court nomination, but instead of another trip to the Series, it is the role of Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) -- the leader of the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee John Roberts that is bring the spotlight back on the city.
Following Sandra Day O'Connor's announcement that she would resign, President Bush nominated Roberts, a D.C. circuit court judge, to fill her seat.
The focus shifted swiftly from the president to the Senate, and now all eyes are on the forthcoming hearings that will lead up to a confirmation vote for Roberts.
Although the entire Senate takes part in the vote, it is the Senate Judiciary Committee that picks apart the nominee with questions about the nominee's personal life and past court rulings.
Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.), who oversaw the hearings for Ginsberg, identified standards that he expected senators and judicial nominees to follow in future proceedings.
Most importantly, Biden noted that the hearings should not be a "dramatic spectacle" or a "trial." And it is this standard that Specter, his present counterpart, will be held to.
In the coming months, there will be a spotlight on Judiciary Committee Chairman Specter as much as on nominee John Roberts.
In a recent op-ed published in The New York Times, Specter noted the importance of the forthcoming proceedings.
"My duty as chairman is to lead an efficient, dignified hearing and report the nominee to the full Senate," Specter wrote.
As for his thoughts on Roberts as a nominee, Specter said, "with his outstanding character and admirable record of achievement, including 39 appearances before the Supreme Court, Judge Roberts has disarmed critics on all sides."
Some have already begun to voice their thoughts as to the main issue in the coming confirmation debate.
One of the biggest issues relates to Robert's position on abortion, and even Specter -- whose pro-choice view has long been criticized by his Republican counterparts -- acknowledges the role that it will play.
In his recent op-ed piece, he said, "In this battle, the central issue remains Roe v. Wade, which established a woman's right to an abortion. Both sides are looking for assurance that Judge Roberts will side with them," Specter said.
As for the confirmation hearing, both sides promise bipartisanship and a swift hearing.
"I can assure you that the hearings will be full, fair and complete, and that the 18 members of the Judiciary Committee will have a full opportunity to examine Judge Roberts in some detail," Specter said at a recent press conference.
"As I evaluate candidates for lifetime appointments to the federal bench . I want to make sure that every person who comes before the court will know and feel that they will be treated fairly," Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) -- the ranking Democrat on Specter's committee -- added in a statement.
