Bainbridge: John Paul Stevens To Retire, Too
Law prof Steve Bainbridge “got an email today from a reliable source opining that Justice John Paul Stevens will retire this summer if, but only if, CJ Rehnquist steps down. The theory is that Stevens will be willing to let Bush fill his slot only if there are so many spots available that Bush will feel free and/or pressure to nominate at least one moderate.”
Given that Stevens is 85 years old and nominally Republican, it would make sense. Still, having three Justices retire in one term–after none in over a decade–would be stunning.
Bainbridge’s analysis as to the nature of the three appointments to replace Rehnquist, O’Connor, and Stevens is quite plausible.
Oh man, we are going to need more therapists.