[JURIST] White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said [press briefing transcript] Thurday that President Bush was willing to consult to a degree with Senate Democrats if a vacancy in the Supreme Court should occur. With widespread speculation of at least one opening on the court after this term, other White House officials nonethless noted that Bush will stick to his goal of nominating a conservative who will not "legislate from the bench." Democrats in the US Senate sent a letter to Bush Thursday [Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid statement] urging him to consult with members of both parties prior to a Supreme Court nomination. The current Supreme Court term ends next week and Chief Justice William Rehnquist is generally expected to step down. The Washington Post has more.