SCOTUS Battle About to Be Engaged

The announcement has come. The first of two Arizonans is retiring from the Supreme Court.

WASHINGTON -- "Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court and a key swing vote on issues such as abortion and the death penalty, said Friday she is retiring.

O'Connor, 75, said she expects to leave before the start of the court's next term in October, or whenever the Senate confirms her successor. There was no immediate word from the White House on who might be nominated to replace O'Connor."

Let the games begin!
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UPDATE: Amy Ridenour has it right regarding the hysterical response of liberal organizations to the possibility that a strict constructionist might be put on the court in place of O'Connor: "What is it about interpreting our Constitution according to its actual words that has these folks so frightened? Like many others, I've read the Constitution. Not scary stuff."

My friend Erick at RedState.org and Confessions of a Political Junkie believes it's Garza who will be appointed. FURTHER ERICK UPDATE: Here.

Captain's Quarters has his take as well.

Instapundit has a slew of links to useful commentary on the impending replacement.

The American Mind and The Crusader.

NE Republican believes there are many "Desperate Housewives" around the country in the wake if this announcement.

DailyKos has it right. This is about abortion now. But he hopes abortion remains.

UPDATE II: RedState.org has nine guidelines POTUS should use to fill SCOTUS.