President Bush has praised his nominee to the Supreme Court as a man of sound judgment and the highest integrity.
In his weekly radio address, the president called on the Senate to rise above partisanship in the coming weeks when considering John Roberts as justice on the high court.
Mr. Bush said top Senators share his view that Mr. Roberts deserves an orderly and dignified confirmation process in the Senate. He called for Mr. Roberts to be confirmed before the Supreme Court reconvenes in early October.
Mr. Roberts is a judge on the United States Court of Appeals in Washington, and has argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court. He would replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Democrats say they want more information about his views on controversial topics such as abortion and civil liberties - and are promising intense questioning during the confirmation hearings.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.