Obama vows quick action on justice nominee

WASHINGTON, April 9 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama said Friday he will move swiftly to name a nominee to succeed retiring Supreme Court Justice John Paul Sevens.

"I view the process of selecting a Supreme Court nominee as among my most serious responsibilities as president," Obama said. "Much like they did with Justice (Sonia) Sotomayor, I hope the Senate will move quickly in the coming weeks to debate and then confirm my nominee so that the new justice is seated in time for the fall term."

Stevens sent a letter to Obama Friday, telling the president of his intent to retire at the end of the current term.

Obama said he would seek a nominee who has "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."

The nominee would be someone "who, like Justice Stevens, knows that in a democracy, powerful interests must not be allowed to drown out the voices of ordinary citizens."

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will conduct hearings on the nominee, said Stevens "devoted his career to our nation's judicial system, participating in some of the most important cases in our history."

He said the nominee should be committed to deciding cases based on the law, not on personal politics or preferences.

"It is my expectation that senators on both sides of the aisle will work to ensure both a dignified and respectful process for our next nominee," he said.

Vice President Joe Biden recalled he voted on Stevens' confirmation in 1975 and took the oath of office administered by Stevens last year.

"His legacy as a justice will endure beyond the confines of a particular judicial ideology," Biden said, "because it reflects the profound humanity he brought to bear to the task of judging."