Did Rove plan this?

Instapundit writes: "Just as John Roberts is being quizzed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, another court declares the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional."

Here's a round-up from Ankle Biting Pundits:

The lefties in the Senate and the groups against Roberts have to be PO'ed. This news is going to overshadow their other messages against Roberts - and now they're going to have to play defense because you know this is going to be the 1st question that they are asked about.
You know these kooks agree with the decision, but they can't say that.
This also bodes well for President Bush picking a very conservative replacement for O'Conn[o]r. If he's got a short list he should make his selection quick while the iron is hot and it will be much harder for the loons to say his judicial choice is "out of the mainstream".
We'll have more on this later...

Hugh Hewitt thinks that this ruling provides a great springboard for nominating Michael McConnell to the Supreme Court. McConnell is a leading expert on the religion clauses of the First Amendment to the Constitution and may also be the conservative short-lister most likely to deliver a Roberts-quality performance before the Senate Judiciary Committee.