Is the Supreme Court an Election Issue in 2004?

According to President George W. Bush…

“Because the union of a man and woman deserves an honored place in our society, I support the protection of marriage against activist judges. And I will continue to appoint federal judges who know the difference between personal opinion and the strict interpretation of the law.”

Source: Presidential Acceptance Speech, GOP Convention, September 2, 2004, www.gopconvention.com

According to Senator John Kerry…

“It won't surprise you to know I think that elections for Congress and the Presidency are important. But appointments to the bench are just as important - maybe more so. Senators and Presidents come and go. Judges rule for a lifetime. And while they only see a tiny percentage of federal cases, there is a reason the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. It is there that debates are settled, that doctrines are set, and that millions of Americans look for justice and wisdom.”

Source: Remarks to the Iowa Supreme Court, March 8, 2004, www.johnkerry.com

According to Pat Robertson…

In my opinion, the destiny of the United States of America may very well depend on the 2004 presidential election. We are faced not only with the external threats posed now by radical Islam, but we are faced with the gradual elimination of our fundamental rights and beliefs at the hands of a runaway federal judiciary.

Source: Courting Disaster (Integrity Publishers) September 2004