In the days since Justice John Paul Stevens announced he will be retiring from the Supreme Court this year, the growing number of people who have expressed their views on his replacement suggest President Obama will be under tremendous pressure in deciding on the next nomination.
Following Stevens’ announcement on April 9, President Obama praised the justice for his years of service on the country’s highest court. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund also lauded Stevens, and its representatives said that "[he] is known as a stalwart in his protection of civil rights and civil liberties."
Meanwhile, President Obama confirmed that he will move to fill the vacancy before the court reconvenes in October, and immediately came under pressure from conservatives who warned him against appointing another liberal justice.
In particular, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said Obama should avoid appointing a "hard-left jurist."
"Since taking office President Obama has established a horrendous track record by nominating judges who have had little regard for the United States Constitution," Perkins said.
He added that "if [Obama] selects someone with a radical judicial philosophy, the fabric of our already divided country will be torn even more."
In addition, Phyllis Schlafly, president and founder of the conservative grassroots public policy organization Eagle Forum, called for Obama to appoint another military veteran.
"In the midst of two wars, we must protect our military from radical, anti-military judicial nominees," she stressed. 