At the same time, conservatives are trying to use the Roberts nomination to put Democrats in a difficult spot.

In Washington, groups supporting the Roberts nomination, including Women for Roberts, were calling on her to look beyond the base of her party.

In short, I love thee, Roberts nomination.

Most Democrats of the Judiciary Committee seem inclined to oppose the Roberts nomination, but it is still unclear how Democrats as a whole will vote.

Others say that supporting the Roberts nomination could make Democrats appear reasonable, giving them more credibility to oppose the next nominee.

Republicans, who control the committee and have a 10-vote majority in the Senate, are confident that the Roberts nomination is on a glide path.

No bishops have publicly addressed the issue in connection with the Roberts nomination so far.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on the Roberts nomination on Thursday.

Abortion rights advocates, who were overwhelmingly opposed to the Roberts nomination before the hearing began, said his testimony Tuesday affirmed their fears.

"There were a lot of predictions of political Armageddon in the early days of the Roberts nomination that never came to pass," he said.