Why Thomas?
Thomas has indicated that he wants to retire.
I would rather have Roberts go before Thomas—don’t trust Roberts at all.
Read an interview of him years ago.
His reasoning was
If he could retire at a relative young age (with normally 10-15 years left on the bench) while there was a republican/conservative president. He could be replaced by a conservative serving 30-40 years instead of the ten . The length of Conservative in the seat would be greatly lengthened and he and Ginny could enjoy their retirement together.
Also the prophet said one of the five would be connected to a scandle and Thomas was at his nomination. Prophecy fulfilled.