Liberal Judge Souter Retires: Obama Set to Pick Replacement, Firestorm of Debate Will Quickly Ensue

Obama's first judicial nominee battle seems to be upon us:

NPR has learned that Supreme Court Justice David Souter is planning to retire at the end of the current court term.

The vacancy will give President Obama his first chance to name a member of the high court and begin to shape its future direction.

Even though Souter was nominated by HW Bush, he has been a faithful liberal over the past decade and a half. So, whoever Obama picks will probably not throw off the balance of the Supreme Court any furthur left unless he picks Jeremiah Wright, and that isn't happening.

It may still be an interesting battle, however. It'll be fun to watch.