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17 Eye-Opening Tweets as Justice Anthony Kennedy Announces Retirement From Supreme Court

After 30 years on the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Anthony Kennedy has announced his retirement. The vacancy sets up a high-stakes clash over the next nominee.

By Josh Shepherd Published on June 27, 2018 •

Josh Shepherd

On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that Justice Anthony Kennedy will be retiring from his seat on the nation’s highest court. The announcement came hours after the nine Justices delivered two final decisions of the 2018 term. Justice Kennedy’s retirement will be effective on July 31, 2018.

In the coming months, the confirmation process for the next Justice to the Supreme Court will consume national headlines. The high court has decided several critical issues in recent years, often on 5-4 votes. Both sides will battle to influence what has been viewed as an evenly divided court.

Experts, pundits and official Twitter accounts offered a range of views. They discuss the retirement of Justice Kennedy, the process moving forward and what’s at stake.

What Was Announced

The media quickly picked up a letter Justice Anthony Kennedy sent today to President Trump.

Following a meeting with the President of the Portuguese Republic, President Trump answered reporters’ questions.

Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement.

The Process Moving Forward

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., made a statement within hours. “We will vote to confirm Justice Kennedy’s successor this fall,” he said.

President Trump re-stated he would choose from one of 25 names on a previously released list. The list of names was updated on November 17, 2017.

Chris Wallace, host of Fox News Sunday, offered his expert analysis within minutes of the news breaking.

A former clerk for the late Justice Scalia, Ed Whelan predicted a vote on the next Justice by late September.

https://twitter.com/EdWhelanEPPC/status/1012052432052944896

Issues and Names Being Hotly Discussed

Closed-door meetings on Capitol Hill about the next nominee began Wednesday. Some reporters received tips on which names to watch.

https://twitter.com/AlexPappas/status/1012054621815296001

Many voices on both the left and right pointed to the issue of abortion as central. The media highlighted what President Trump said in a 2016 debate.

Susan B. Anthony List pointed to a statement made Tuesday by Ilyse Hogue of NARAL. The pro-choice activist noted the NIFLA case hinged on one vote.

Yet the overturn of Roe v. Wade would be no easy task. Ed Whelan of Ethics and Public Policy Center wrote in a series of tweets:

https://twitter.com/EdWhelanEPPC/status/1012059483198185472

Responses From Elected Officials

Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., serves as Democratic Whip and a prominent voice on the Judiciary Committee. He noted his party will press for a January vote on the nominee.

Also on that all-important committee, Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, pushed back on the proposed delayed timing.

The newest Senator, Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., noted her support of a vote this fall.

After a week of big Supreme Court news, Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., offered his summary.

 

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