Nebraska Sens. Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson appeared to be on course to support the nomination of John Roberts to be chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Nelson said he sees “no smoking gun or other disqualifying information” standing in the way of his likely support, although he suggested it now is appropriate to assess Roberts’ leadership qualities as well as his judicial philosophy.

Hagel was unequivocal.

“I will enthusiastically support and vote to confirm John Roberts,” the Republican senator said.

“He has the temperament, experience, judgment and widespread support to be an effective chief justice for many years to come.”

Nelson, a Democrat, said he’ll wait to see how Roberts emerges from Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings before making his final decision.

President Bush made “an appropriate and shrewd decision” in elevating Roberts’ nomination to chief justice, the senator said.

Nelson said he hopes the president will consult with senators from both political parties in selecting a new nominee for the seat being vacated by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

The “advice and consent” pattern Bush pursued in selecting Roberts should continue, Nelson said.