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Clarence Thomas said it would suit him fine if Americans knew the winner of their presidential election Tuesday night.

He'd rather avoid a situation like the one in 2000, when the Supreme Court essentially decided the outcome of the election.

"I prefer not to be in it, but there you have it," the justice said. "You've got to do your job. But I prefer not to decide something like that."

Thomas' comments came Thursday during a question-and-answer session with Kansas University students, wrapping up a two-day visit to the School of Law.

Thomas was part of a 5-4 majority that ended a recount of votes in Florida after the 2000 election, allowing George W. Bush to claim the state's electoral votes and the election.

"You hear people say the Supreme Court jumped into the last election," Thomas said. "We've got to decide it if you bring a lawsuit. What do you think? Donald Duck is going to decide?"

Thomas discussed a variety of topics during the session, though he declined to comment on pending legal cases and said he felt "uncomfortable" talking about general legal issues in case future cases arose on those topics.

Other Thomas comments:

• On the health of Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer this week: "I feel really badly. The one thing you learn about the court is we're family." But, Thomas added, "he'll be back at work on Friday. He'll be as unforgiving as ever."
• On the role religion plays in his rulings: "You don't go to your Bible to answer constitutional questions ... You do ask for the strength and wisdom to live up to your oath."

Thomas shares lessons from on and off the bench (10-28-04)

• On his frequent trips to KU, which number four in the past eight years: "I always enjoy coming to Kansas. Last time I was here I had dinner with (former basketball coach) Roy Williams, and we saw what happened to him. I don't know if I improved things for you guys or made it worse."
• On the KU School of Law: "The students and faculty are the way students and faculty were when I was in law school. They're polite people. The kids are interested and excited. They want to solve some of the world's problems."

Devin Sikes, a KU senior from Wichita, was among the approximately 80 people in the audience at Green Hall.

Sikes, who plans to attend law school next year, said he found Thomas' discussion about basic constitutional rights refreshing.

"That's what this country is all about," he said. "It sounds like he and the other justices focus on that. That's comforting."