[JURIST] Conservative Republicans are calling for Republicans on the US Senate Judiciary Committee to block Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter's bid to become chairman of the committee. Specter sparked controversy last week by warning President Bush against appointing Supreme Court justices who would seek to overturn abortion rights (see this report on JURIST's Paper Chase). Although no senators have openly opposed Specter's chairmanship, several conservative groups are working to turn votes against his chairmanship. AP has more on efforts to prevent Specter from chairing the Judiciary Committee. Knight Ridder has more on the reaction to Specter's remarks.