JEFFERSON CITY - Today, the President followed through with his promise to nominate a Supreme Court Justice that America can be proud of. After engaging in an unprecedented level of consultation with Senators from both sides of the aisle, President Bush?s decision to nominate Judge John Roberts is a clear indication of his commitment to the integrity and judiciousness of the Supreme Court.

Missouri Republican Party Chairman Doug Russell said:

?Judge Roberts? nomination provides a distinct example of a jurist who will interpret the letter of the law, not legislate from the nation?s highest bench. It is my hope that his confirmation proceedings are held with the same fairness. Missourians have every right to expect a timely vote so that the Supreme Court can convene for its fall term.?

For further remarks, please contact one of the listed surrogates for further comment on the recent US Supreme Court vacancy:

St. Louis/Cape Girardeau

Mark ‘Thor’ F. Hearne, II

(314) 229-5512

Lathrop & Gage L.C. (Partner – Member, St. Louis)

National election counsel to Bush-Cheney ’04

JEFFERSON CITY/Columbia

Harvey M. Tettlebaum

(573) 761-1107

Husch & Eppenberger, LLC. (Partner, JEFFERSON CITY)

Former Treasurer for Missouri Republican Party

President, Republican National Lawyers Association

Kansas City/St. Joseph

Buford ‘Bunk’ Farrington

(816) 836-5054

Humphrey, Farrington, McClain (Partner, Kansas City)

Jackson County Republican Chairman

Springfield/Joplin

Charles Cowherd

(417) 829-4106

Husch & Eppenberger, LLC.

(Member, Springfield)