Colorado's on-again, off-again Democratic Senator Ken Salazar says he hasn't made up his mind how he will vote on the nomination of Judge John Roberts for Chief Justice of the United States. His indecision has made him ripe for a lobbying campaign by both sides.

Abortion rights supporters submitted petitions with about 8,000 signatures Wednesday to Salazar's Denver office. They urged Salazar to vote against Roberts, whose personal opposition to abortion has raised fears that he will vote on the Supreme Court to overturn the 1973 ruling that legalized abortion.

Salazar's concerns include:

• some of Roberts' early writings ,
• his views toward women's rights and Title IX, the federal gender equity law and
• his "narrow view of the power of Congress vs. the power of the president."

Sen. Wayne Allard has nothing but praise for Judge Roberts. Colorado Congressman Mark Udall, who doesn't have a vote in the matter, also regards Roberts favorably.

He, I believe, projected a sense that he is not going to use his position to direct an ideological or political agenda," Udall said, referring to Senate confirmation hearings that ended last week. Udall, who is considering a run for the U.S. Senate in 2008, said Roberts' personality could be well-suited for the nation's highest court. "He's thoughtful. He has a judicial temperament," Udall said. "I thought his personal qualities were obvious. He has got a sense of humor, which is always important to a Udall."

If you'd like to weigh in with Salazar, here's his contact information. Be sure to mention in your message that you are a constituent. Washington, D.C. Phone: (202) 224-5852 Fax: (202) 228-5036 Denver Toll Free: (866) 455-9866 Phone: (303) 455-7600 Fax: (303) 455-8851