... is expected today or Monday.

Naturally, with the withdrawal of Miers, my Astonishingly Accurate Prediction #2 (the Karen Williams pick) is back on the table.

I must say ... and I can anticipate the collective gasp of my dear readers to hear this ... I no longer expect my Karen Williams pick to come to pass ... nor do I desire it to do so.

It is not outside the realm of possibility that Williams could still be the choice. But the conservative rebellion against the Miers pick has changed the facts on the ground since last we discussed this.

Unless the White House has less political sense than your average doorpost, they will feel the need to choose someone that the conservative base will heartily embrace.

Karen Williams would not cause a conservative rebellion, but neither would she unite and energize the base the way other nominees could.

I strongly suggest, my dear friends, that you scroll down and shake the dust off the Squid Viewer's Guide as we await the President's announcement.

The same names are in play again. I would suggest that the reader focus on the "Group B" names (especially Luttig and Alito) along with selected names from "Group C" (Sykes, McConnell, Batchelder ... and yes, possibly Karen Williams).

There has been a strong buzz this morning for Samuel Alito ... who has been branded "Scalito" ("little Scalia"). 

Alito would be considered a home run pick by most conservatives ... and all would be forgiven with the President for the Miers debacle.

Also, add one name to Group B of the Viewer's Guide.  Christopher Cox, a former Congressman from California, has gotten some buzz ... although he remains an unlikely choice.

Cox would be a scintillating pick ... a strong conservative who, if he were better known, could easily belong in Group A.

Squid's best counsel ... watch Alito, Luttig, McConnell, Sykes ... in that order.

And keep in mind, the President delights in being unpredictable.