Obama’s SCOTUS Short List Leaked PRESENTATION CENTER POTENTIAL SUPREME COURT NOMINEES Obama’s SCOTUS Short List Leaked Potential Supreme Court Nominees Sri Srinivasan, 48 Judge, US Court of Appeals, DC Circuit Srinivasan was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in 2013, so it might be hard for GOP Senators to make a case for blocking him now. He clerked for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor; some liberals may consider him too moderate. Paul Watford, 48 Judge, US Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit Watford, an African American, is regarded as a moderate judge, but was confirmed by a less than unanimous 61-34 vote in 2012. Like Nguyen, he is a graduate of UCLA Law. He clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Merrick Garland, 63 Chief judge, US Court of Appeals, DC District Garland has often been mentioned as a leading contender for a nomination to the Supreme Court. He is highly experienced, but older than some of the other potential nominees and would not diversify the bench. Jane Kelly, 51 Judge, US Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit Kelly’s unanimous confirmation was strongly supported by fellow Iowan, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), which might make it difficult for him to oppose her. She was confirmed by a 96-0 vote in 2013. Patricia Ann Millet, 52 Judge, US Court of Appeals, DC Circuit While Millet might seem like a strong choice politically, as a navy veteran who has a record of being favorable to corporate interests and outspoken about her Christian faith, only two Republicans voted for he confirmation. Ketanji Brown Jackson, 45 Judge, US District Court for DC Brown Jackson was a surprising name to pop up on the shortlist. Nine of the past ten justices nominated have been appellate judges, and she is not one. At 45, though, Brown Jackson could serve on the bench for many years, and she would be the first African American female appointed to the Court. Reuter’s has reported that the Obama is only considering Srinivasan, Watford and Garland, while other sources said he was still vetting all six candidates. Sources: “Potential Supreme Court Nominees,” The New York Times, February 14, 2016; Josh Gerstein, “Obama’s Supreme Court Short List,” Politico, February 14, 2016; Larissa Epatko, “Who’s in Line to Replace Justice Antonin Scalia? Here’s the Shortlist,” PBS, February 15, 2016; Dylan Matthews, “Who will Obama Choose to Replace Antonin Scalia? Here are 7 of the Strongest Candidates,” Vox, February 13, 2016; Charlie Savage, “Potential Nominees Obama May Consider to Fill Antonin Scalia’s Seat,” February 14, 2016; Jim McElhatton, “Loretta Lynch Questioned Over Secret Deal Depriving Fraud Victims of $40M,” Washington Times, January 4, 2015; CQ Roll Call, December 13, 2011; Pete Williams, “AG Loretta Lynch Asks 'Not To Be Considered' for Supreme Court,” NBC News, March 8, 2016; Dylan Matthews, “President Obama’s Shortlist Has Leaked. Here Are the 6 Contenders,” Vox, March 12, 2016; Andrew Cohen, “The Millett Nomination: A Case in Reverse Affirmative Action by Senate Republicans,” The Atlantic, October 31, 2013. March 14, 2016 | Owen W Minott Jr.