John Paul Stevens: I will surely retire while Obama's Still President

[samplegirl]

Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens made his most definitive statement yet about his retirement to the Washington Post, saying it could be this year or next, but “surely” while President Obama is in office. He has said in the past he didn’t want to retire while George W. Bush could replace him.

Stevens said in newspaper interviews on the Web Saturday that he will decide soon on the timing of his retirement, whether it will be this year or next. Stevens, the leader of the court’s liberals, turns 90 this month and is the oldest justice.



His departure would give Obama his second nomination to the court, enabling him to ensure there would continue to be at least four liberal-leaning justices. The high court is often split 5 to 4 on major cases, with the vote of moderate Justice Anthony Kennedy often deciding which side prevails.

“I will surely do it while he’s still president,” Stevens told The Washington Post.

Stevens made a similar statement to the New York Times:

“I do have to fish or cut bait, just for my own personal peace of mind and also in fairness to the process,” he said. “The president and the Senate need plenty of time to fill a seat.
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[DemocratSinceBirth]

1. He's A Remarkable Man. To Be That Sharp At His Age.

And props to Gerald Ford for nominating him. We could do a lot worse than hiring a man or woman similar to him.

[samplegirl]

2. I agree.

:kick: