April 30, 2009
Justice Souter to Retire?
From National Public Radio, via Drudge...
NPR has learned that Supreme Court Justice David Souter is planning to retire at the end of the current court term.NBC, also via Drudge, says...The vacancy will give President Obama his first chance to name a member of the high court and begin to shape its future direction.
A court spokesman said Souter had no comment.
Very interesting development. David Souter was a "Moderate Republican" appointment as I recall, but turned out to be a fairly reliable liberal voter. Obama would really have to go far out left to do worse than him.
In a certain way, I kind of feel bad for President Obama, as the discussion and fight over Souter's replacement is going to suck up a lot of political air. On the bright side, the discussion and fight over his replacement is going to suck up a lot of political air. ;)
Posted by: Will at April 30, 2009 10:51 PMShouldn't this be a slam dunk for whoever he wants? What can the Republicans really do about it even if he wanted to appoint Janeane Garafalo?
And even still, since Souter was always on the liberal side, what difference will it make?
Posted by: Patrick at May 1, 2009 8:55 AMSouter has been a champion of preserving individual liberties granted by the Constitution. How is it 'liberal' to uphold and defend the Constitution?
I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constituion, does that make a 'liberal' too along with everyone else who has served in the military?
Straw man...
Posted by: Patrick at May 1, 2009 11:54 AM"Souter has been a champion of preserving individual liberties granted by the Constitution."
Respectfully, no. His vote on the very important case of Kelo vs New London, in which he and four other Supremes not only misinterpreted but actually REWROTE the American Constitution, belies this assertion.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8331097/