The SCOTUS term ends in late June: who'll retire first?

[Unsane]

I think RBG will give notice this summer that she will be retiring and not returning for the 09-10 term. Thus, the '09 summer will see Obama's first SCOTUS appointment battle--and the candidate will likely be a woman (I've advocated Gov. Jennifer Granholm as a dark horse). It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Stevens, meanwhile, will continue to stay on as his health permits. He is surprisingly sharp for a man his age (nearing 89).

[elleng]

1. Maybe.

Stevens 'commutes' to Florida, I understand; sure would help to keep someones sharp! There's another woman whose name has been around.

[BluegrassDem]

2. Toobin on CNN swears it'll be Souter to go first

He said, and I've heard from others, that Souter genuinely doesn't care for the job and wants to go back home to New Hamphshire.

[Unsane]

3. Interesting. That means Obama will likely get to make at least 3 appointments (Souter, RBG, Stevens)

[dsc]

4. Stevens is amazingly sharp

I watched him on America and the Courts and aside from hearing he is sharp as all get out.

[roamer65]

5. I would love it if our guv became a SCOTUS justice.

Jenny is a great lady.

[Unsane]

6. Agreed. She could bring a lot of leadership and executive experience to the Court.

I like the idea of appointing a non-judge (see Earl Warren).