This morning the President announced Samuel A. Alito as his choice to replace Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court.

Alito has a sterling reputation both for brilliance and for conservatism.

His selection should largely repair the damage the President incurred with his conservative base by the choice of Harriet Miers.

As you may recall, Alito appeared in Group B on Squid Viewer's Guide.  I said then that if a Group B nominee were chosen:

"Conservatives rejoice ... the Republican base is energized ... liberals gear up for serious battle. All of these would likely be confirmed, depending on how the hearings go ... Democratic filibuster is very possible, but not certain."

As is my wont (if I may say so in all humility) I scored a direct hit with this prediction ... judging by the initial reaction from both the Republican and Democrat sides.