U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has announced his intention to retire, and local politicians expressed their appreciation for his longtime service to the country.
President Gerald Ford appointed Stevens to the Court in 1975. He is the longest serving member of the current body.
“The Court has lost a giant,” said U.S. Ted Kaufman (D-Del.), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. "He has been a forceful voice for individual liberties, separation of powers, and the rule of law. History will no doubt view him as a truly great Supreme Court justice.”
New Castle County Executive Chris Coons described Stevens as one of high court’s most thoughtful and influential justices.
“Justice Stevens leaves behind a long legacy to live up to for whomever President Obama nominates as his replacement,” Coons said.
Coons is running against U.S. Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) to occupy the seat being held by Kaufman, who was appointed by former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner for two years. Vice President Joe Biden had been reelected in a landslide victory but resigned for his position in the executive branch.
This will be Obama’s second Supreme Court nominee in as many years. His first selection was Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic appointed to the Supreme Court.
