[originaltext] President Bush gave the nation several clues Saturday about th

President Bush gave the nation several clues Saturday about the per son he will nominate for a seat oil the Supreme Court, except for the most important one—a name.  In his weekly radio address,  Bush said his eventual nominee will be a "fair-minded individual who represents the mainstream of American law and American values."
   His candidate also "will meet the highest standards of intellect, character and ability and will pledge to faithfully interpret the Constitution and laws of our country," the president said.
   "Our nation deserves, and I will select, a Supreme Court justice that Americans can be proud of," he said, without revealing the name that many are anxious to hear.
   Bush also discussed his recent meeting with Senate leaders of both parties to discuss the nomination and confirmation process fro’ a replacement for Sandra Day O’Connor. The first woman to serve on the high court, O’Connor announced July 1 that she is stepping down after 24 years.
   Much of the retirement speculation—before and after O’Connor’s surprise announcement—had focused on Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who is 80 and ailing with thyroid cancer.
   Rehnquist tried to dampen expectations this week, issuing a statement in which he said his retirement is not imminent and that he would continue on the court "as long as my health permits."