Janet Napolitano on SCOTUS shortlist?

[Thrill]

The SCOTUS shortlist? According to a couple of sources in the know, there appears to be a working short list of about six names for President Obama’s Supreme Court pick. The co-frontrunners (in no particular order): Diane Wood of the 7th Circuit, Solicitor General Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor of the 2nd Circuit, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Merrick Garland of the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. Obviously, folks can slice this list all they want: Five are women; one’s Hispanic; one’s male; and all are in their late 40s or early 50s, except two (Wood, 58, and Garland, 56). Keep an eye on Napolitano. For this pick, it would be surprising if Obama named someone he didn't either know well or trust personally. Wood, Kagan, and Napolitano all fit this bill (Wood taught at the University of Chicago with Obama, and Kagan and Napolitano already have top slots in the administration). As for Napolitano, remember that she endorsed Obama early on (despite Emily’s List pressure to do otherwise). And from people familiar with the president's thinking, he's been as impressed with Napolitano as anyone in his cabinet. They click. That matters....

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/11/1928014.aspx

[TreasonousBastard]

1. All good choices, but although...

there's no Constitutional problem, I can't see why Granholm's name keeps coming up.

Not only does she have no actual bench experience, she was born in Canada. Not a problem for me, I think she can do anything, but I can't see anyone asking for trouble nominating her for such a key position with the battles lines already drawn.

[liberalpragmatist]

6. Lots of Justices have never served on the bench

Many legal scholars have said that the current court - which is entirely former appelate court judges - is a historical anomaly and that it would be good to go back to the historical tradition of picking justices from elective office.

Many of the best justices - like Charles Evans Hughes, Earl Warren, and Hugo Black, came from the Senate or governorships. And it meant they had a better view of the social context of the times, better grip on public opinion, a more practical understanding of the law, and an ability to persuade their peers or build coalitions.

Also, some other justices - like Felix Frankfurter - were born outside the U.S.

[TreasonousBastard]

8. And Thurgood Marshall was best known for...

successfully arguing before the Court, even though he did spend some time on the bench.

As I said, I have no problem with anything in her background, but if I were the one picking the new Supreme, I would probably avoid as many side issues as I could, given the poisonous atmosphere in Washington.

[Clio the Leo]

2. I love the idea of nominating someone from the admin....

..... takes care of the vetting problem.

[Mass]

3. Honestly, I am not fan of such a choice. She is just starting to lead an important administration

and Obama would name somebody else who has to take this administration in hand. There are plenty of people qualified aside her. She is obviously qualified, but she is at an important place and we do not need a new vetting process and waiting period for Homeland Security.

[BluegrassDem]

4. Unless she's not happy at DHS and wants out

DHS is the toughest job in the administration and Janet could be looking for a way out. I'm not saying it's true, but that could be very possible. DHS is a thankless job cause you're only on TV for bad news and you catch all the blame.

[asphalt.jungle]

5. or simply, being a supreme court justice is vastly superior to a cabinet position.

it's a no-brainer if you have the choice.

[dysfunctional press]

7. i loved her work with concrete blonde...but how does it qualify her for the supreme court?

:shrug:

[cwcwmack]

9. I hope not...

as an ex-Zonie I can say she's a moran.

[fadedrose]

10. How in the world can Granholm be on the list?

She's not popular in Michigan for reasons other than the primary..at least talking to people I know. They say she hasn't been effective.

And just recently, she praised Rick Wagner, said what a great friend of hers he was, how devoted he was to General Motors, and that he was a "scapegoat."

There was some difference in opinion because President Obama fired him

Makes no sense to me.

Maybe Wagner was a campaign contributor or they went to the same country club...just guessing here...

[rove karl rove]

11. doubt it'll be Napolitano

i think she's there just as an act of respect - if I really had to pick his ultimate choice, probably Wood or Garland.