For most of its history, the United States Supreme Court has been composed of White Anglo-Saxon Protestants.
True, there was the occasional Catholic, like 19th century Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney, forever tainted by his notorious Dred Scott decision; or early 20th century Chief Justice Edward White. Eventually there was talk of a "Catholic seat" on the court, occupied oddly enough by Justice William Brennan, an appointee of President Dwight Eisenhower, who later deeply regretted his choice.
Kelly Ayotte, a recently defeated Republican U.S. senator from New Hampshire, is considered a moderate with good relationships among senators who have the ability to confirm or reject the nominee.
