Stevens to Retire?

WSJ's Political Diary today noted the ever-present rumors that Justice John Paul Stevens, a reliably liberal member of the Supreme Court, and one appointed by Republican Gerald Ford, might retire at the end of the term. It was a year ago on July 1st that Sandra Day O'Connor retired, so such a move would have a well-remembered precedent. Should Stevens retire, the ramifications will be far greater than when O'Connor stepped down.

For one, with a number of hotly-contested Senate races this fall, the bases of both parties could be mobilized by a vociferous debate. Two Democrats whose political careers are on the line voted against Roberts; four such Democrats (plus one Republican) voted against Alito. The pressure on Ben Nelson of Nebraska will be especially fierce considering his votes for both Roberts and Alito. With a formerly liberal seat on the line, expect not only Harry Reid, but also MoveOn.org and the whole bunch of usual leftwing suspects to break his arm and vote no. If he votes to confirm, it'll be interesting to see if Move On and the rest continue to villify him (possibly handing his seat to a Republican) or whether they don't shoot the party in the foot.

Also of interest is the nominee; WSJ predicts a woman, I'm inclined to think so as well. Attempting to put Miers on the bench was a stupid move by Bush (she was undeniably an intellectual lightweight); given the chance he'll likely nominate another woman. Some of the names WSJ suggests are mildly familiar ones: Janice Rogers Brown and Priscilla Owen became household names among political junkies during the Senate's "nuclear option" standoff. As they point out (and I'm proud to say I can also take credit for the same thought), with Brown, Bush would be putting the first minority woman on the bench.

Of course before all of this debate and strife can begin, Justice Stevens needs to retire.