Prometheus 6

The Supreme Court extremist threat level currently stands at HIGH.
Top Five Signs a Supreme Court Justice Will Retire This Summer

1. GOP Secretly Raising Funds for Supreme Court Battle
On April 4 2003, former President George H.W. Bush hosted a private fundraiser at his Texas home, raising approximately $250,000 for a GOP front group called "Committee for Justice". CFJ is dedicated to helping the Bush White House pack the courts with right-wing extremists. Prominent Republicans -- including Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, who will be crucial in any nomination battle -- are involved in helping CFJ raise money.

2. Two Conservatives Have Indicated They May Retire
Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Justice Sandra Day O'Connor are the subject of intense retirement speculation. Both have indicated a desire to retire under a Republican President. Both owe their seats to the retirement of like-minded judges who timed their retirements for political reason. And Sandra Day O'Connor is the crucial swing vote protecting a woman's right to choose.

3. Longest Supreme Court Retirement Drought in Almost 200 Years
No Supreme Court Justice has retired for nine years. This much time hasn't elapsed between high court vacancies since the 1820s.

4. GOP Control of the Senate
The Bush White House is much more likely to choose ultra-conservative nominees when the Republican Party controls the Senate. A Bush nominee will likely face fewer hurdles with the GOP controlling the confirmation process.

5. Not a Presidential Election Year
Supreme Court retirements rarely take place during presidential election years. By retiring this summer, conservative judges can ensure that President Bush can nominate an ultraconservative replacement.