O'Connor Retires

I just got word that Sandra Day O'Connor announced her retirement this afternoon. It comes as some surprise, as I was sure Rehnquist would go first. The next few weeks and months should be quite interesting for those who enjoy the spectacle of Supreme Court nominations. I think there will be much emphasis on spectacle. Personally, I'm just curious to see whether Bush promotes an idealogue like Luttig from the 4th, a craven henchman like Gonzales from Justice, or a well-repected albeit profoundly conservative like Michael McConnell from the 10th. I'm not making any bets, but given Bush's proclivity for radicalism and embrace of theocratic ideals, I'll give 3:1 odds that he's going to nominate someone like Luttig.