The New York Times had reported that it was expected by the end of the week.
With Roberts confirmed (it is official now), 78-22, figure that could dominate tommorow's headlines.
But, since it has been a forgone conclusion for so long, it is unlikely to last beyond one media cycle.
So, normally you would assume Bush wouldn't step on the Roberts story.
But, if he waits until tommorow, then the story gets pushed to the Saturday papers.
On the other hand, if he waits beyond tommorow, into next week, then almost certainly the Sunday news shows will saturated with Tom Delay.
So, it would seem to follow- if Bush does wait into next week to name O'Connor's successor, then someone at the White House has made the political calculation that ultimately the best thing that can happen is to let the DeLay story burn itself out, then try to retake the initiative.
Of course, all this assumes the President knows who he wants to name- I am frankly going to be shocked with any choice.
I am certain that he wants to name a woman, and that he would probably prefer a Hispanic woman. But, is there a Hispanic female Roberts out there- one who is clearly acceptable to the base, yet one whom the Democrats will have a hard time getting any traction on opposing?
Because the Democratic base will explode if, after hearing about how the Democratic Senators didn't vigorously oppose Roberts in order to save themselves for this on, the Democrats again roll over.
On the other hand, the Republican base will be equally upset if the Bush nominee appears to be another O'Connor- one who will be a moderate swing vote on social issues.
Since, in effect, Bush would not have changed the composition of the Court one bit, he would have simply made it younger (which actually is pretty significant, but doesn't really jump out at you).
But, again, I don't know that Bush's model nominee actually exists.
On another note- Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg did the Democrats no favors when she called Judge Roberts refusal to answer questions "unquestionably right" at a speech at Wake Forest University on Wednesday.