A Tale of Two Ediths: Some lessons can best be taught by a woman.

From Hadley Arkes in today's National Review Online:

Washington, D.C. is bracing for the firestorm sure to come over the nomination to the Supreme Court. With the departure of Justice O’Connor, the vacancy offers the chance to replace the “swing” vote that would make the most profound difference on issues such as abortion and racial preferences. There has been much talk about the lure to appoint a Hispanic or another woman, but for conservatives this is not the moment to take a chance. Their inclination is to go for the candidates with the surest records, marked off in their opinions, their writings, their speeches. And so conservatives, seeking their deepest assurance, would find it in a decision announcing one of these names: Michael Luttig, Michael McConnell, Edith Jones, John Roberts. But my own hunch is that Luttig, McConnell, and Roberts are likely to come forth when the departure of the chief opens up another slot, either to replace Rehnquist or to take the place of a sitting justice raised to his current office. Of course, I could well be wrong — and in case anyone missed it, I repeat that I may be wrong — but my own hunch is that, for very good reasons, the choice for O'Connor's spot may center on the two Ediths: Edith Jones in Texas or Edith (Joy) Clement in Louisiana.