Justice John Paul Stevens Will Retire

US Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, the court's oldest member and leader of its liberal bloc, says he is retiring. President Obama now has his second high court opening to fill. Stevens said today that he will step down when the court finishes its work for the summer in late June or early July. He said he hopes his successor is confirmed "well in advance of the commencement of the court's next term."

His announcement had been hinted at for months. It comes 11 days before his 90th birthday. The timing of his announcement leaves ample opportunity for the White House to settle on a successor and Senate Democrats who control 59 votes in the 100-member chamber, to conduct confirmation hearings and a vote. Republicans have not ruled out an attempt to delay confirmation.
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