Conservatives shudder at notion Roberts might not be very conservative

The testimony by Chief Justice nominee John Roberts about the importance of concepts such as precedence and the existence of a right of privacy has right-wingers quivering in fear that he won't turn out to be the patsy they hoped for.

After his testimony, conservative message boards lighted up with incredulous responses -- especially after leaders of the Christian organization Family Research Council put out a statement praising Roberts's testimony and pronouncing themselves "pleased" that he resisted calls to say how he would rule if Roe came up again.

"Pleased???" one writer on ConfirmThem.com said. "My gawd, run, don't walk away from this nominee! It's like Charlie Brown having the football taken away by Lucy, the rank-and-file supporters of Bush and trusting in his picks, are being fooled once again."

Roberts nomination