Every administration since then has benefited from the A.B.A.'s confidential role in evaluating potential nominees before they are named.

It is unrealistic to expect the public to evaluate judicial nominees thoroughly or remind you of your own campaign promises to safeguard the courts.

Since 1955, successive administrations have sanctioned a special role for the A.B.A. in independently evaluating judicial nominees.

Since 1955, successive Administrations have allowed the A.B.A. a special role in independently evaluating judicial nominees.

Mr. Myers, who has little courtroom experience, received a mixed rating from the American Bar Association committee that evaluates judicial nominees.

He will help evaluate potential nominees to the board and advise on corporate governance issues.

The American Bar Association committee that evaluates judicial nominees last week unanimously gave Judge Kennedy its highest rating.

All his nominees have been rated "qualified" or better by the American Bar Association, which independently evaluates judicial nominees.

The committee also evaluates nominees to the State Department.