Report: Fmr GA Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears on SCOTUS Short List, "Strong" Record on LGBT Rights

An update to a successor to retiring Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, who announced on Friday that he would retire in the summer. Over the weekend, a "short list" of candidates emerged: Solicitor General Elena Kagan, 7th circuit Court of Appeals Judge Diane Wood, DC Court of Appeals Judge Merrick Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

ABC News adds another name to the list which first surfaced last May during the selection process to replace Justice David Souter: Former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, who was the first female African-American chief justice in US history. When nominated by then-Gov. Zell Miller in 1992, she became the first woman and the youngest person to ever sit on the court.‬‪ Sears retired in June and is now in private practice at Schiff Hardin.

The Hill confirms Sears is said to be on Obama's short list.

Georgia LGBT activists says Sears is "strong" on gay rights. Southern Voice reported last May: "Sears' legal opinions on gay-related issues, including voting with the majority to overturn Georgia’s sodomy law, drew efforts from conservatives to unseat her. In 2004, Gov. Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Christian Coalition backed Grant Brantley in the race; Sears won easily." Sears also opposed the legislature's ultimately successful attempt to place an anti same-sex marriage amendment on the ballot. Writing the dissent, Sears noted the process "would change the Constitution in more ways than one and thus 'amend the state Constitution by stealth.'"

More on Leah Ward Sears here ...

Comments

[Osiris]

Great news.

[Ravenback]

She would be an excellent choice. But I hope there's nothing within her records at the private law practice that could be used to sully her name.

[ReggieH]

I would LOVE to see her on the court! I don't think it's going to happen (I suspect it will be a 'consensus' choice)...but I can dream can't I?

[MW09]

Having a woman like her in the Supreme Court would be absolutely fantastic!! I hope it comes to fruition!!