The Occasional Observer

Over at Res Publica they're making predictions on possible Supreme Court vacancies and nominations at the end of this term. I might as well put my two cents in writing before all the fun (or complete lack of it) takes place.

I'm betting on one vacancy, from the retirement of Justice Stevens, who will cite the desire to spend more time with his wife. The President will nominate Michael McConnell, who will further distance himself from his earlier criticism of Roe and skate to an easy confirmation (easy in light of the importance of the vacancy as the possible Roe-destroyer). I'm guessing 65-70 votes for confirmation after a 12-6 committee vote.