Obama would maintain court's delicate balance

September 8, 2008

The writer of the letter "Obama would push court to the far left" (Sept. 3) incorrectly asserts that a victory by Sen. Barack Obama in the coming presidential election would result in a more liberal Supreme Court. Rather, an Obama win would ensure that the current balance of the court would be maintained.

The two most likely seats to open up on the court during the next presidential term are those of Justice John Paul Stevens, 88, and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is 75 and a cancer survivor.

Both of those justices have consistently voted with the so-called liberal wing of the court. On a Supreme Court that has recently issued a significant number of 5-4 decisions on key issues, replacing either of those judges with a conservative justice would throw the balance of the court to the far right.

To maintain the balance of the court, which the letter writer himself contends is "essential," it is critical that like-minded judges be appointed to replace Justice Stevens and Justice Ginsburg.

If Sen. John McCain is elected and, as expected, appoints right-wing replacements for both justices, the result would be a conservative majority on the court that would last for years. Bruce H. PowellBaltimore

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