(2004-12-23) -- In an effort to reach out to Democrats and heal partisan wounds, President George Bush today announced he would nominate radio host Rush Limbaugh and author Ann Coulter as judges on the federal circuit courts of appeal.

"I'm pleased to nominate Mr. Limbaugh, a disabled American, and Miss Coulter, a woman American, to the federal bench," said Mr. Bush. "I expect bipartisan support in the Senate for these nominees since we all share a commitment to diversity on the courts."

Sen. Arlen Specter, who will chair the Senate judiciary committee, said, "I'm impressed with the president's magnanimous gesture of reconciliation with our friends on the other side of the aisle. As judiciary chairman, I will personally guarantee that these nominees will move on a fast-track."

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, said he had not heard of Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter before, "but I understand that they're celebrities," he said, "and we Democrats have always had a warm relationship with the entertainment industry."