Women Indeed Dominated Obama's Court List: Insiders

With field narrowed to 4, prez slept on it

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted May 26, 2009 3:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama's short list for his Supreme Court pick consisted of four women: Solicitor General Elana Kagan, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, US Court of Appeals judge Diane Wood, and the eventual selection, Sonia Sotomayor. By Friday, Obama thought he was ready to make the pick, but decided to take the weekend to make sure he was certain, insiders tell the Huffington Post.

The president knew three of the candidates personally, having worked with Wood and appointed Kagan and Napolitano. He met with Sotomayor for an hour on Thursday, as part of the judge’s secret seven-hour visit to the White House. The administration went through a thorough vetting process on all four candidates—which presumably means Sotomayor is current on her tax payments.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden walk to the East Room of the White House today with his Supreme Court choice, Sonia Sotomayor. (AP Photo)

The Supreme Court in Washington. President Barack Obama chose federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to become the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice. (AP Photo)

President Barack Obama introduces federal appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor, right, as his nominee for the Supreme Court today. (AP Photos)

President Barack Obama looks on as his Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor speaks at the White House today. (AP Photo)

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Women Indeed Dominated Obama's Court List: Insiders

With field narrowed to 4, prez slept on it

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Hey, Lefties: This Supreme Court Should Scare You

Obama too timid on federal nominees, with big issues coming

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'Passionate' Sotomayor, bridge-building Kagan aren't shy during oral arguments

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Prez manages to play it safe and progressive at the same time

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She'll have critics on both right and left, but will skirt major battles

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She's the fourth to have face-to-face talks

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Women Indeed Dominated Obama's Court List: Insiders

With field narrowed to 4, prez slept on it

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

US Supreme Court • Janet Napolitano • vetting • President Obama • short list • Sonia Sotomayor • Diane Wood • Supreme Court justice • Elana Kagan

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Hey, Lefties: This Supreme Court Should Scare You

Obama too timid on federal nominees, with big issues coming

Kagan, Sotomayor Breathe New Wind Into Liberals' Sails

'Passionate' Sotomayor, bridge-building Kagan aren't shy during oral arguments

Kagan Pick Reveals Savvy Obama Strategy

Prez manages to play it safe and progressive at the same time

Kagan Choice for Court: How It Will Play Out

She'll have critics on both right and left, but will skirt major battles

Obama Interviews Diane Wood for Court Seat

She's the fourth to have face-to-face talks

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