Demagogue

Congrats on your retirement-- not!

Justice Sandra Day O'Conner announced her retirement Friday after 24 years on the U.S. Supreme Court. O'Connor, 75, considered a crucial swing vote on the divided court, was the first female justice in Supreme Court history.

Her departure could lead to a bruising confirmation fight for the person President Bush nominates to replace her.

O'Connor's surprise announcement came amid widespread speculation that ailing Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist would step down. The 80-year-old Rehnquist has thyroid cancer and was absent from the bench during much of the court's just-completed session.

Just when we though we *might* be free and clear for the time being. Let's just hope this doesn't turn into the summer of two (or more?!) Supreme Court nomination battles. (Face it, Stevens is no spring chicken-- he was born in 1920.)

Screw hope, let's freaking pray.

Update: Apparently Rove has already placed a want ad.