John Paul Stevens Retires
April 10, 2010 by Jerry
John Paul Stevens Retires – Justice John Paul Stevens, who was a republican appointed justice, is retiring at the age of 89 after a 34 year tenure in his current position. In his time as a justice, John Paul Stevens solidified himself as the leader of the Supreme Court’s liberal wing. Stevens sent a letter to the President that stated that he believed that it would be in the best interest of not only himself, but the court for him to step down and have his successor appointed and confirmed in advance of the commencement of the court’s next term.
This announcement had been rumored for months, however Stevens was expected to postpone any announcement until after the high court’s oral arguments came to a close near the end of the month. Stevens will remain on the court until his term comes to an end this summer.
Republicans are expected to keep a close eye on the next justice that Obama chooses to appoint.
“As we await the president’s nominee to replace Justice Stevens at the end of his term, Americans can expect Senate Republicans to make a sustained and vigorous case for judicial restraint and the fundamental importance of an even-handed reading of the law,” stated the Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
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The White House has long speculated that Stevens may step down, and has been planning for months. Currently, three different candidates have been named for the position. Those individuals are Judge Merrick Garland, who is 57 years old; Solicitor General Elena Kagan, who is 49; and Chicago judge Diane Wood, who is 59.
Now the White House must decide how much they would like to rock the boat with this appointment. Some candidates, specifically Diane Wood in particular, have made some controversial rulings regarding abortion and would likely see her appointment fought heavily by the political right.
