Sestak May Challenge Specter     Permalink

Despite the Democratic party leadership rallying around Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) for jumping ship, Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA), a retired Navy vice admiral, has said he has not ruled out challenging Specter in a primary next year. While running against the entire establishment is difficult, there have been successful insurgencies in the recent past, for example that of Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) in 2006.

Bunning Retirement May be Nearing     Permalink

Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY), has hardly any money in the bank and doesn't seem to be campaigning very hard for reelection. This has led to rumors that he may be planning on retiring at the end of his term. He has now apparently blessed the exploratory committee of Kentucky's Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R). Still, in the past, Bunning has been a loose cannon, so nobody really knows what he is planning to do. Many Senate Republicans are trying very hard to push Bunning out the door because they are convinced he would lose if he runs again. So his retirement would be very good news for them. However, Bunning has not confirmed this story. It is at least conceivable that Republican operatives have put it out to try to "encourage" Bunning to retire.

Souter May Be Leaving the Supreme Court     Permalink

Another unconfirmed rumor is that Justice David Souter may be retiring from the Supreme Court in June. It is well known that Souter does not like living in Washington and wants to return to New Hamphire, where he went to high school and where he has a farm. Speculation is that Obama would name a woman to replace him since there is only one woman currently on the high court and she has fought bouts with colon and pancreatic cancer in recent years, so she may also be thinking about retirement. Although Souter was appointed to the Court by George H.W. Bush, he has disappointed conservatives and become one of the most liberal justices. It is expected that his replacement will not change the ideological balance at all.

Some of the women who might replace Souter are listed below.

Of course, Obama could appoint a white man, but politically, the appointment of a minority woman, especially a Latina, would help cement his appeal among women and minorities. Daily Kos has photos of some of the potential nominees.

Update: Souter's retirement has now been confirmed.

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