In 1993, Bill Clinton faced a similar problem as John Ashcroft when he reserved the post of attorney general for a woman.

He had to endure the botched nominations of Zoe Baird and Kimba Wood before he decided on Janet Reno.

Why all the heartache?

Because women voters were one of the the main reasons why Clinton was elected.

Thus, it only seemed reasonable to reserve a major cabinet spot for a woman.

In 2000, religious conservatives were one of the few voting blocs who came out in droves for Bush.

Thus, just as Clinton had to do for women voters, Bush had the obligation to reserve at least one major cabinet slot for a religious conservative.

Bush had to appease the right-wingers in some way. Ashcroft, who was defeated for re-election to the Senate, fit the bill perfectly.

While I disagree with Ashcroft's view on abortion and gun control, I realize the realities of our political system.

Bush had to nominate someone like Ashcroft or he would have been in serious trouble with the religious right.

In his confirmation hearings so far, Ashcroft has vowed to uphold the law regardless of his personal opinions.

Thus, I believe that he should be confirmed. If he isn't, the far right might become even more embittered.

That could lead to more disunity and wreck Bush's plans for being a "uniter, not a divider."