We are just past the hundred day mark and about to see what kind of appointment The Obamesiah will make to the Supreme Court.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter plans to retire, giving President Barack Obama his first chance to make an appointment to the nation’s highest court, a government official said.

The official, who requested anonymity, confirmed reports late on Thursday by NBC News and National Public Radio that Souter, one of the court’s liberal members, would step down.

His replacement will be more or less a wash in regards to the make up of the court. Matt Lewis notes the long term possibilities.

The good news for conservatives is that, because Souter was so liberal, his departure is unlikely to change the makeup of the court. It does, however, give Obama the opportunity to pick an even younger Justice who might be around for many years to come.

John Hinderaker has a good observation about the possible replacement.

At one time I would have expected Obama to exercise caution with his first Court appointment, but nothing we’ve seen in the last three months justifies that expectation. If Obama goes hard left, we could be in for the most interesting Congressional action of his young administration.

Brian also points out something that will undoubtedly prove to be correct.

And you want to know the kicker? Every damn nominee will be pushed by the media as some kind of centrist, despite having a far-left background. Remember, when John Roberts and Samuel Alito were nominated, we were treated to endless articles about how far right they were. When Clinton nominated Ginsburg, we were treated to endless articles and television pieces on how “moderate” she was. You better believe that, once Obama makes his choice known, it’ll be the same dog and pony show all over again by the liberal media.

The Reuter’s story suggests that court watchers think Obama’s first pick is likely to be a woman.

People mentioned as possible candidates include Solicitor General Elena Kagan, the administration’s top courtroom lawyer who argues before the Supreme Court; Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and appeals court judges Sonia Sotomayor and Diane Wood.

Don Surber speculates about a nominee who is “a Harvard-educated lawyer and I think she supported the ticket.”

This is one of the main reasons I supported John McCain, despite the fact that I didn’t really support John McCain. As Don says, “This should be a fine distraction for the summer.”

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