Poll says his opinions matter.
In a shift from July, the public now thinks the Senate should consider a Supreme Court nominees positions on issues in addition to his or her legal background. According to last weeks poll, 57% said a nominees opinions on issues should be considered, while 33% thought the Senate should consider only a nominees legal qualifications and background. Even more Americans said a nominees position on the issues should be considered than did so during the nomination processes of Clarence Thomas and Robert Bork
Legal Qualifications only Now Last Month Thomas-1991 Bork-1987
33% 46% 39% 39%
Positions on Issues only 57% 46% 49% 52%
In addition, when asked specifically about John Roberts, nearly eight in 10 said it is important that the Senate know Roberts positions on issues such as abortion and affirmative action before confirming him, including 46% who say it is "very important." 64% of Democrats said it is "very important" to know his positions on these issues, compared to just 30% of Republicans. Women were also more likely than men to say knowing Roberts views on issues like abortion and affirmative action is "very important."
This is contrary to what the wingnuts want to happen.