There were no big surprises when the Republicans running for president listed their favorite justices on the Supreme Court Thursday evening at the last debate before the Iowa caucuses.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry said his favorite justices are Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and John Roberts during the Fox News-hosted debate in Sioux City, Iowa.
Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, said Roberts, Thomas, Alito and Antonin Scalia are his favorites.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Scalia is “probably the most intellectual.” He said he approved of the four listed by Romney. “If we had nine judges as good as those four, we would be very happy with the Supreme Court,” he said.
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum said Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas is his favorite.
Texas Rep. Ron Paul wouldn’t say who his favorite judge is, saying “no I’m not going to — all of them are good and all of them are bad.”
And Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann said, “I would put Antonin Scalia at the top of the list. I would also include Clarence Thomas and John Roberts and Alito. I think they’re all marvelous.”
Former Utah Gov. John Huntsman said he favors Roberts and Alito.