Actually, the court won't be moved to the right overwhelmingly. Too many conservatives think that Sandra Day O'Conner was a clone of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. O'Conner wasn't the worst of them. She did oppose government takeover of private property, for example.
It's the next vacancy that will really decide the future of the Court. Let's hope it happens while Bush is still in office and the GOP still controls the Senate.
"It's the next vacancy that will really decide the future of the Court. Let's hope it happens while Bush is still in office and the GOP still controls the Senate."
Rush has an interesting take on this situation. When dems are out of power, they feel helpless and when they are not in control, the game isn't fun anymore.
So, since they can't make serious contributions (in their eyes) they opt out. Many dems will take this view and not run for reelection.
So too with liberal judges. Once they understand they are not the majority and will not be making law any more, the older, less healthy of they may just opt out. Ginsburg is ill, and at least one other is likely to bail in the next 2 years.
This could be fun!