http://origin.www.supremecourtus.gov/about...



We already know that Stevens stuck it out until he was 90 but that seems to be unusual. I assume some of it was not wanting Shrub to name his replacement. Souter retired a few months before he turned 70 and O'Conner retired at age 76.

Ginsburg turned 77 last month and there are rumors that she will retire next year. Only rumors mind you but they are out there. If so that would make 3 Obama appointees in his first term. I will assume that there won't be any more until at least 2013.


Now let us assume that our President wins a second term.


Scalia and Kennedy were both born in 1936 and Breyer in 1938. So in 2013 Breyer will turn 75 and both Scalia and Kennedy will turn 77. (if my math is not in error)


I would like to pause here for a moment to point out that I wish them all good health and a long and happy retirement. I am just trying to guess when that retirement might start. With Souter leaving by age 70 and O'Conner at 76 isn't it possible that in this hypothetical 2nd term President Obama might get one or even two more chances to appoint a Supreme Court Justice? Scalia and Kennedy will both be over 80 before that term ends and even Breyer would be in his late 70's.


Might we not be looking at a 5 or 6 Justice "Obama Block" on the court for the next 20 years?


Speculation built upon Speculation, I know. Still, it is a happy thought. If we need something for our base to focus on might this not be it?