For its own part, the White House got out front early in the spin cycle, saying the president had won up-or-down votes on three of its previously blocked nominees to the federal appeals bench: Priscilla Owen, William Pryor and Janice Rogers Brown.

NPR: Filibuster Fight Might Move to High Court Nominee

Unlike his predecessor, William Rehnquist, Roberts rarely shows irritation or frustration on the bench.

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