United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor,
75, announced this morning her intention to retire from the court. She said
she would be stepping down before the beginning of the court's fall
term, or when the Senate appoints a successor.
More than 10 years have passed since the last vacancy on the Supreme Court, the highest court in the United States. Justice Stephen Breyer was the last jurist appointed to the court; Breyer was appointed by President Bill Clinton. This will be President George W. Bush's first opportunity to appoint a justice to the court.
Almost immediately both progressive and conservative interest groups sprang into action, placing advertisements, making press releases, and mobilizing supporters to contact their legislators.
MoveOn PAC sent an email to its members shortly after the announcement, calling Bush's potential replacement nominees "the biggest threat yet" to citizens' right "to make personal decisions without government intrusion."
Women's rights groups also mobilized quickly. NARAL Pro-Choice had large banner ads running on news sites this morning, and Planned Parenthood began announcing rallies around the country.
"Justice OConnor played
a pivotal role on the Court, and the nation has a tremendous amount at
stake with her resignation,'' said Debra L. Ness, president of the
National Partnership for Women & Families.
A conservative group with the incongruous name "Progress for America" also announced its intention to play a part in influencing the nomination process.
"Progress for America
stands ready to defend whomever President Bush nominates from the
Left's character assassination campaign,'' said Brian McCabe, PFA's
president. "The president's nominee deserves real consideration not
instant attacks.''
PFA has announced its intention to spend $18 million to help push Bush's nominee through the Senate, and has already started airing television and radio ads around the country.
Sources: Wikinews, Guardian Unlimited
