Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

New Solicitor General in Line for High Court

Center-left lawyer will work closely with Supremes

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 21, 2009 4:48 PM CDT

(Newser) – Elena Kagan became America's first female solicitor general yesterday, putting her one step closer to a possible Supreme Court nomination, the AP reports. As the so-called "10th Supreme Court justice," Kagan will effectively audition for the high court if she argues a Voting Rights Act case next month. Justices will also routinely ask Kagan's opinion on cases before taking them up.

Kagan has never argued before the high court, but she has relationships with several justices from her days as dean of Harvard Law School. Her center-left views and history of bridging the gap with conservatives make her a likely choice—if a justice steps down during Obama's presidency. “We probably will not be able to stop someone like that,” one conservative activist said.

The Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court.   (AP Photo)
Elena Kagan.
Elena Kagan.   (AP Photo)
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one justice who could retire, opening a seat for Kagan.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one justice who could retire, opening a seat for Kagan.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Hey, Lefties: This Supreme Court Should Scare You

Supreme Court Skeptical About Climate Suit

Kagan to Miss Half of Supreme Court's Caseload

Gun Rights Gain Under Obama

Hey Obama, Sue Rhode Island, Not Arizona


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne