John Roberts was a Federalist Society member

As reported in today's Washington Post.

By Charles Lane
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, July 25, 2005

Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr. has repeatedly said that he has no memory of belonging to the Federalist Society, but his name appears in the influential, conservative legal organization's 1997-1998 leadership directory.

Having served only two years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit after a long career as a government and private-sector lawyer, Roberts has not amassed much of a public paper record that would show his judicial philosophy. Working with the Federalist Society would provide some clue of his sympathies. The organization keeps its membership rolls secret, but many key policymakers in the Bush administration are acknowledged current or former members.

Roberts has burnished his legal image carefully. When news organizations have reported his membership in the society, he or others speaking on his behalf have sought corrections. Last week, the White House told news organizations that had reported his membership in the group that he had no memory of belonging. The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today and the Associated Press printed corrections.

In a reasonable world, this gaffe will die off in two days. However very little is reasonable about Washington politics any more. Expect alot of braying from both those in the media and some Democratic Senators claiming Pres. Bush was trying to pull a fast one. One thing is certain, the White House has some fancy footwork to do now.

Hat tip- Poliblog