Supreme Court Justice Souter to Retire
Supreme Court Justice David Souter intends to retire, according to published reports.
Souter's decision would allow for President Barack Obama's first appointment to the Supreme Court.
The Obama administration hasn't publicly named any choices to fill the vacancy on the high court. The president is likely to choose a woman, the
Wall Street Journal
reports.
The news was first reported by
National Public Radio
.
Justice Souter, appointed by a Republican president, George Bush, became one of the most reliable members of the court's liberal wing, the New York Times notes. But he has grown increasingly sour on Washington and intends to return to his home state, New Hampshire, the
Times
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adds, citing people briefed on his plans.
The White House and Souter wouldn't comment on the reports. One official said the decision might be announced as early as Friday, the
Times
reports.
The
Times
reports Elena Kagan, Obama's solicitor general, is among the names that have been floated in recent months as possible Supreme Court nominees.
The
Journal
said possible candidates could include Kathleen Sullivan, a professor and former dean of Stanford Law School; Georgia Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, and U.S. Circuit Judge Sonia Sotomayor..
