A big retirement may be coming to the Supreme Court — nd it’s not who you may be thinking.
Although there had been a myriad of rumors about the retirement of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, new reports have surfaced indicating that Justice Samuel Alito may soon announce his retirement.
The following was shared by Washington Post reporter Robert Costa:
After reading my latest Post report, @hughhewitt tells his radio audience this morning that he hears from several leading conservatives that Justice Alito, 70, is considering retirement, and adds that he also hears the Alito family is ready to leave Washington, D.C.
— Robert Costa (@costareports) July 1, 2020
“After reading my latest Post report, @hughhewitt tells his radio audience this morning that he hears from several leading conservatives that Justice Alito, 70, is considering retirement, and adds that he also hears the Alito family is ready to leave Washington, D.C.”
And one conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt is claiming that a replacement plan may already be in place.
Hewitt sees three judges who could fill the void if Alito were to leave: Judge Raymond Kethledge, on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit; Judge David Stras, on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit; or Judge Donny Willett, on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.
Hewitt spilled the details of the rumors surrounding Alito and his plans to a Washington Post source, also noting that Alito’s family is ready to leave Washington, D.C.
What about Justice Clarence Thomas?
Not so fast. He put to bed the rumors of Thomas’ retirement.
“Justice Thomas will never quit,” Hewitt said.
But, in case he does hang it up, the Senate will be ready according to WaPo reporter Robert Costa.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. and company have a favorite replacement tabbed: Judge Amul Thapar of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit.
However the Supreme Court shakes up ahead of November 2020, it seems like timing and incredible luck will be crucial.
It’s likely that GOP officials are keeping a close eye on Supreme Court decisions in order to act quickly should an announcement be made.
Whatever happens, it will impact the high court for years to come.
The Horn editorial team