Litigation

Souter Articles Target Special Interests

By Jason Barrett

Media coverage of Justice Souter’s retirement continued over the weekend and today. Of particular note was the Washington Post’s coverage of actions already taken by special interest groups with regard to Souter’s replacement. 

Organizations like NARAL and Alliance for Justice have released statements outlining their criteria for President Obama’s nominee.  ”The president can look to a broad array of legal talent to select a nominee who not only has an excellent record in the law,” said Alliance for Justice president Nan Aron, “but also a respect for core constitutional values and a commitment to equal justice for all not just a few.” 

CQPolitics.com also takes a look at special interest involvement. Capitol Hill newspaper The Hill reports that Senators Patrick Leahy and Arlen Specter have both called on President Obama to instill more diversity into the Supreme Court.  The Senators also urged the President to consult with the Republican and and Democratic leadership in the Senate before picking a replacement for retiring Justice Souter.  

On the other side of the spectrum, The Hill reported Friday that conservative groups already are plotting strategies to challenge Obama’s nominee.  The swiftness of conservative response prompted liberal comedian/commentator Bill Maher to say:

“The Republicans say that Obama’s pick for a replacement is completely unacceptable. And they’ll let us know why as soon as they figure out who it is.”

Full post as published by The Gavel on May 04, 2009 (boomark / email).