Some may think Mr. Reagan should have made a less controversial nomination.

Two other extremely controversial nominations that are not as far down the pipeline may not ever reach the Senate floor.

But the President added, "I'm not predicting a controversial nomination."

Public focus upon a few controversial nominations, then, may have led to an incorrect generalization that all of President Reagan's appointees are rigid ideologues.

"We view this as a highly controversial nomination."

He is also forthright, if sometimes less than persuasive, in laying out his opinions about recent controversial nominations.

The native Irish clergy often appealed to Rome to confirm the more controversial nominations.

Never mind that Kilcannon is staking his fledgling administration's reputation on a controversial nomination that will polarize Congress and the country at large.

For instance, his tacit support last year for the controversial nomination of Joseph Santiago as state police superintendent troubled some Republicans.

But the annoying delay could grow worse if, as is now threatened, his confirmation is tied to that of a number of controversial judicial nominations.