The Senate hearings on the nomination of John Roberts to the Supreme Court, which began on September 12th, 2005, seem to be attracting headlines for more than just political reasons. The staff of Junior Senator John Cornyn, a member of the Republican party, printed 150 special bingo cards for the press to use during the hearings. The cards include words and phrases such as “far right” and “extremist,” which Cornyn's staff claims the Democrats have often used in the past to oppose Republican nominees.

The reporters were instructed to stamp their bingo cards every time a Democrat or a witness used one of the featured words.

Despite the bingo cards having been produced in the Senate's printing office and paid for by federal funds from the senator's office budget, Don Stewart, Cornyn's spokesman, was unsure of the total printing cost. However, he claimed that the production of the bingo cards was in tune with the letter of the law.

No reporters were actually seen stamping their bingo cards.

Judge Roberts, who has held positions in Republican administrations in the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of the White House Council, will be facing questions by U.S. Senators from all parties during the hearing.