A new Washington Post poll shows that likely voters favor incumbent President George W. Bush to pick new U.S. Supreme Court justices over Democratic nominee Sen. John Kerry.

The poll says that 49 percent trust Bush's potential choices compared to 42 percent for Kerry. When analyzed along party lines, Democrats chose Kerry while Republicans chose Bush.

There is intense speculation about a retirement on the court. Some observers say Chief Justice William Rehnquist, whom tribal leaders say has led an unprecedented assault on tribal rights, may step down. He recent underwent treatment for thyroid cancer.

Other possibilities include Justice Sandra Day O'Connor or Justice John Paul Stevens. O'Connor has often been the deciding vote in favor of tribes in Indian law cases.

Get the Story:
Likely Voters Narrowly Prefer Bush to Pick Justices (The Washington Post 10/28)
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