John Paul Stevens has announced that he will definitely retire during Obama’s first term in office. I suspect he’ll do it this year. I’ve heard that he hasn’t hired the usual number of assistants. I kind of wish he’d wait, but it looks like we’ll have fewer senators to confirm a replacement next year than we have now. Stevens is the most important liberal member of the bench, and replacing him with someone liberal is an important goal. However, in an election year, the Republicans are sure to attempt a filibuster of any nominee we put up (for fundraising purposes, if nothing else). I don’t have a wish list because I haven’t delved into various judges’ records. Arlen Specter has a wish list that he plans on presenting to the president. But he doesn’t seem interested in seating another circuit judge. If we don’t appoint a circuit judge, who should we appoint?