The AP's David Espo has the story.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid has told associates he intends to oppose confirmation of John Roberts as chief justice, Senate sources said Tuesday as rank and file Democrats began staking out positions on the man named to succeed the late William H. Rehnquist.

Reid scheduled a speech on the Senate floor for mid-afternoon, at which he was expected to make his announcement public.

Roberts has strong Republican support and appears headed for easy confirmation.

As party leader, Reid had urged fellow Democrats not to announce their positions until the conclusion of last week's confirmation hearings for Roberts.

By stating his own position first, Reid likely would set the stage for strong Democratic opposition to the 50-year-old appeals court judge and former Reagan administration lawyer.

To tell you the truth, I am somewhat surprised by this move. I had expected the Democrats to go somewhat soft on Roberts in order to show the American people that they can accept some nominees, therefore allowing them to filibuster the next nomination (which could be more meaningful given Justice O'Connor's position as a swing vote on the court).