The summer would be a good time for him to retire.
Breyer has been a good Justice--as most of us know, he was appointed to the Court by Bill Clinton. As far as I can determine, he is in pretty good health.
If any Democratic Senator has a health issue, or for some reason has to resign or retire, depending upon who is Governor of that state, the Republicans could hold a 50-49 majority.
I can almost guarantee you all that McConnell will sit on that appointment for two or three years if necessary, should Republicans have such an edge in the Senate. He did it once, he will do it again.
Historically, while the justices appointed by Democratic presidents have been good on the Court, they have generally tried to serve too long and sadly, have seen their successors appointed by Republicans.
I realize Thurgood Marshall is a distinguished and historic Justice, but he could have retired while Carter was in office. The same goes for William Brennan. Judge Ginsberg was an outstanding advocate and a legal scholar, but especially after the health issues, could have retired while Obama was in office.
Thankfully, former Justice David Souter appointed by the first Bush, turned out much better than Democrats probably hoped. And he thankfully retired the first summer after Obama took office.
So we are stuck with a 6-3 court tilting too far to the right, something that did not have to take place.
= new reply since forum marked as read
