President Barack Obama is expected announce a nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, within the next couple of weeks, with confirmation hearings slated to take place in July, according to news reports.

Obama has said he wants a new justice in time for the court's October session. David Souter, who is retiring, will leave by then.

Based on news reports, Obama is interested mainly in female and Hispanic nominees. He is reportedly considering Judge Diane P. Wood of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Sonia Sotomayor of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, Solicitor General Elena Kagan, Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm (D) and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

Get the Story:
Obama on Pace to Name Supreme Court Nominee Before Heading Overseas (The Washington Post 5/23)
Obama Expands on Criteria for New Justice (The Washington Post 5/24)
In Court Pick, Obama Seeks Experience of Real World (The New York Times 5/24)

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