President Bush has suggested he is considering minority candidates to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Speaking with reporters Monday, the president said he is aware that "diversity is one of the strengths of the country" and that he has thought about "people from all walks of life" to fill the open seat.

Special-interest groups have pressured Mr. Bush to choose a black or Hispanic candidate, while first lady Laura Bush has urged the president to pick a female nominee. He could announce his choice later this week or early next week.

Meanwhile, the full U.S. Senate has begun debate on the nomination of Judge John Roberts to be chief justice of the United States.

Judge Roberts - who is a white male - is expected to win Senate approval this week. If he is confirmed, the Supreme Court will retain its current racial makeup of six white men, one black man, and two white women.