A variety of outlets, including the LA Times, have begun reporting that Justice Paul Stevens is likely to retire before the 2010 term. The soon-to-be-90-year old has yet to make a statement regarding the matter but has admitted that
- (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)
he has only hired one clerk for the 2010 term. It is the usual practice of the Court to have at least 3-4.
If Justice Stevens does finally decide to hang up the robe and turn in the gavel, it will give President Obama another chance to nominate a replacement justice sometime next year. While the idea of Obama having an opportunity to nominate another justice is unsettling, the timing may be better than it seems. It was not likely that Stevens would have made it through the whole four years of Obama’s term either way, so if he had to go, it cant hurt to come sometime after Obama’s healthcare plan leaves his approval ratings in shambles. And to take it a step further; the world is much better off if Obama doesnt have the chance to nominate ANY justice if he is lucky enough to earn a second term and the mandate for radicalism that would come with it.
