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Bush picks John Roberts to be Chief Justice

WASHINGTON: U.S. President George W. Bush on Monday nominated John Roberts to succeed William H. Rehnquist as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and called on the Senate to confirm him before the top U.S. court opens its term in October.

Just 50 years old, Mr. Roberts could shape the court for decades to come. Rehnquist (80) died on Saturday. The swift move would promote to the Supreme Court's top job a newcomer who was being considered for the post of associate justice.

``I am honoured and humbled by the confidence the President has shown in me,'' Mr. Roberts said, standing alongside Mr. Bush in the Oval Office.

``He's a man of integrity and fairness and throughout his life he's inspired the respect and loyalty of others,'' Mr. Bush said. ``John Roberts built a record of excellence and achievement and reputation for goodwill and decency toward others in his extraordinary career.''

Democrats said Mr. Roberts would now be held to a higher standard, though they had found little in his record to suggest they would thwart his nomination as associate justice.

— AP

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