Justice Anthony Kennedy
to Retire, By Nina Totenbert,
6/27/18, NPR.
Supreme
Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement Wednesday, setting the
stage for what promises to be an epic political battle over his replacement.
A Trump
nominee is likely to be far more conservative than Kennedy, who, though
appointed by President Reagan, voted with the court's liberals in some key
cases.
Kennedy,
who will turn 82 next month, made the announcement the same day the court
handed down its last pending opinion for the 2017-18 term. He said he would continue to serve through
July 31 of this year.
Speaking
from the Oval Office soon after Kennedy's announcement, President Trump said
Kennedy has "been a great justice of the Supreme Court." Trump also
said the process to replace Kennedy will "begin immediately." The
president pointed to a list of potential nominees he put together and made
public previously. "It will be somebody from that list," Trump said,
adding "hopefully we will pick someone who is just as outstanding [as
Kennedy]."
Trump also
told journalists Wednesday that Kennedy came to the White House to meet with him prior to making his
announcement. The president met with the Supreme Court justice for about 30
minutes, Trump said. The president also said he asked Kennedy for any
recommendations as to his replacement but Trump would not reveal who Kennedy
suggested.
In a
separate statement, the White House described Kennedy as "a tireless voice
for individual rights and the Founders' enduring vision of limited government.
His words have left an indelible mark not only on this generation, but on the
fabric of American history."
Speaking
on the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said,
"The Senate stands ready to fulfill its constitutional role by providing
advice and consent on President Trump's nominee to fill this vacancy. We will
vote to confirm Justice Kennedy's successor this fall."
A simple
majority of 51 votes is required to confirm a Supreme Court nominee. Senate
Republicans currently hold 51 seats. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has been away
from Washington, D.C., while he battles brain cancer, but Vice President Pence
could cast a tiebreaking vote if needed.
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody
GA Tea Party Leader
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