Outside the Box SCOTUS Idea  —  As a connoisseur of American conservatism's problematic relationship with race, I had a lot of fun during the Sonia Sotomayor confirmation fight.  Thus in that sense, I'm a bit saddened that the leading names being bandied about to fill the vacancy left by John Paul Stevens are all white people.

Justice John Paul Stevens to retire from court in June  —  Justice John Paul Stevens, the longest-serving member of the current Supreme Court and the leader of its liberal wing, announced his retirement today, giving President Obama his second chance to make a mark on the nation's highest court.

Justice Stevens to Retire After 34 Years  —  WASHINGTON — Associate Justice John Paul Stevens, the leader of the liberals on the Supreme Court, announced on Friday that he will retire at the end of this term, setting up a confirmation battle over his replacement that could dominate the political scene this summer.

Stupak won't seek reelection  —  Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), who played a central role in the health reform fight as the leader of anti-abortion Democrats, announced that he will not run for reelection Friday afternoon, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Where's the Left's Sarah Palin?  —  While Democrats and the Obama White House continue to take jabs at Sarah Palin, the fact remains they can't resist rising to her bait, with the media loving to pit Palin against Obama whenever the chance arises.  Even when Pres. Obama says he's not going to respond …

QUOTE OF THE DAY.... I appreciate the role a nuclear arsenal can play in serving as a deterrent against adversaries.  But Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota may not appreciate the notion of a proportionate response. … There are obviously a lot of errors of fact and judgment in that quote …