President-elect Barack Obama is likely to make at least three Supreme Court appointments in just four years, without serving a second term. The court’s senior member, John Paul Stevens, 88, is surely ready to step down, as is Ruth Bader Ginsberg, 75. and, in all likelihood, David Souter, 69. For that matter, Antonin Scalia and Anthony Kennedy are both 72. With the young Chief, John Roberts, and Samuel Alito, still in their 50s, and Clarence Thomas not much older, one presumes that, unlike Clinton, Obama will look at younger nominees.
So, Salon has a good rundown of likely candidates.
Sonia Sotomayor is a good bet, IMO. First Hispanic candidate. A woman, especially if Ginsberg beats Stevens to retirement. Being nominated to the bench by Poppy Bush, she would certainly signal moderation.
Or Ruben Castillo could fit that bill. And, as former director of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, he would bring good civil liberties cred to the table.
Another choice to broaden the court’s ethnic basis, and to also be a strong liberal presence, would be Harold Hongju Koh.
Deval Patrick? I think not, and on his grounds. I think he wants to replace Ted Kennedy.
Elena Kagan could also “replace” Ginsberg, and was at the University of Chicago with Obama.
Leah Ward Sears would be the court’s first black woman, and a little more liberal than the names above.
Merrick Garland has a great resume, and is probably the most prepared to step up judicially, now being on the D.C. Circuit Court.
Beyond political gaming, my preference, to the degree I’m familiar with their work, would be Koh, then Castillo.
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