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JUNE 18, 2001

The White House and the Department of Justice have already begun work considering potential nominees to the Supreme Court even though no Justice has formally announced his or her retirement.

But pundits say Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist or Justice Sandra Day O'Connor are considering stepping down now that a Republican is in the White House. Both were active in Republican politics in Arizona.

Among the potential candidates, according to various sources to the Washington Post:

• Alberto R. Gonzales, White House Counsel who is overseeing the process as well.
• Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (Utah), the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee.
• Lawyer John G. Roberts, a nominee to the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals, who argued against the recognition of Alaska Native sovereignty in Alaska v. Venetie (1998).
• Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), considered generally supportive of tribes.
• Emilio M. Garza, who currently sits on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Edith H. Jones, another 5th Circuit judge.
• J. Michael Luttig, a judge on the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Get the Story:
At High Court, a Retirement Watch (The Washington Post 6/18)

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