The Short List for Supreme Court Vacancies

Wash. Independent: Ginsburg’s Cancer Surgery Sparks Speculation About Future Justices, by Daphne Eviatar:

The news that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent surgery yesterday for early-stage pancreatic cancer has already led to much speculation about who President Obama is likely to pick for the next court vacancy.  Although Ginsburg, a tiny but tough 75-year-old who never missed a day on the court  — even during treatment for her last bout of cancer (she had colon cancer in 1999) — has said nothing about stepping down anytime soon, court-watchers do love to speculate. Justice John Paul Stevens, 88, has long been expected to step down at some point during this administration, but judging from his appearance at the president’s inauguration, he seems to be doing very well these days.

In any event, here are some of the likely candidates expected to be considered for the next vacant Supreme Court post.