Supreme Court To Lose Its Swing Voter

-Source-NPR- Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement Wednesday setting the stage for what promises to be an epic political battle over his replacement. A Trump nominee is likely to be far more conservative than Kennedy who though appointed by President Ronald Reagan voted with the courts liberals in some key cases. Kennedy who will turn 82 next month made the announcement the same day the court handed down its last pending opinion for the 2017-18 term. He said he would continue to serve through July 31 of this year. Speaking from the Oval Office soon after Kennedys announcement President Trump said Kennedy has been a great justice of the Supreme Court. Trump also said the process to replace Kennedy will begin immediately. The president pointed to a list of potential nominees he put together and made public previously. It will be somebody from that list Trump said adding hopefully we will pick someone who is just as outstanding as Kennedy. Trump also told journalists Wednesday that Kennedy came to the White House to meet with him prior to making his announcement. The president met with the Supreme Court justice for about 30 minutes Trump said. The president also said he asked Kennedy for any recommendations as to his replacement but would not reveal whom Kennedy suggested.