The Departure of Anthony Kennedy---Democrat’s Worst Nightmare

Democrats’ Greatest Fear About to Become Reality

The rumors of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy’s possible retirement from the bench had been talked about for months.  Now, it’s reached a fever pitch when it was reported at the Washington Examiner that the date for Kennedy’s Staffer Reunion was moved up---by a whole year:  

“Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy and his clerks moved up a long-planned reunion event for his staffers by a year, sparking rumors that the 30-year veteran of the high court was contemplating retirement. Should Kennedy step down, it would remove one of the Supreme Court's key swing votes and give President Trump the opportunity to give it a durable conservative majority.”

Ruth Marcus at the Washington Post fears Kennedy’s departure would be “terrifying” and unleash an “Armageddon”. 

“The end of the Supreme Court term looms, and with it the prospect — the terrifying prospect — of a retirement. Specifically, the retirement of Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, who will turn 81 next month and is the longest-serving current justice, named to the high court almost 30 years ago.

So if Kennedy is inclined to retire, it is hard to begrudge him that choice. But his departure would be terrible for the court and terrible for the country. It could not come at a worse time. Any court vacancy these days, under a president of either party, triggers a battle between liberal and conservative forces. Kennedy’s retirement would unleash nomination Armageddon, given the feral political environment and the pivotal role he plays on the closely divided court.”  (link)

Nominated by President Ronald Reagan on November 11, 1987 and taking his oath of office in February of ‘88, Kennedy was thought to be a solid conservative choice, yet over the years he became known as the “swing-voter”, far too often voting with the Liberal Justices on key rulings.  If Kennedy does indeed retire after this current session ends, Marcus, (and the Democrat’s) worst fear will be realized.

The Media and the Pundits seem to be pushing for “big fight” to thwart the inevitable, but since the Dems helped to put an end to the filibuster question with Gorsuch’s nomination, all they can do is make noise to their base.

And, if this isn't bad enough for the Democrats, Breyer and Ginsburg may not be far behind.