Liberal US Supreme Court Justice Stevens to resign

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Liberal US Supreme Court  Justice John Paul Stevens announced yesterday he would resign,  and President Barack Obama promised to name a successor  quickly, setting the stage for an expected partisan  election-year Senate confirmation battle.

Stevens, one of the oldest and longest-serving justices in  history, sent a letter notifying Obama of his retirement this  summer. Stevens, who turns 90 in 11 days, joined the court in  1975 after being appointed by President Gerald Ford.

An administration official said Obama was considering about  10 potential nominees to replace Stevens.

At the White House, Obama paid tribute to Stevens and said  his nominee, like Stevens, would know that powerful interests  must not be allowed to drown out the voices of ordinary  citizens.

“I will seek someone in the coming weeks with similar  qualities — an independent mind, a record of excellence and  integrity, a fierce dedication to the rule of law, and a keen  understanding of how the law affects the daily lives of the  American people,” Obama said.