BREAKING: Justice Stevens to Retire

It looks like it will be a busy summer in the US Senate.  First it was the START treaty ratification and now it will also add a Supreme Court confirmation battle.  Earlier today, Justice John Paul Stevens announced his intention to retire.

WASHINGTON - Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, the court's oldest member and leader of its liberal bloc, is retiring. President Barack Obama now has his second high court opening to fill.

Stevens said Friday he will step down when the court finishes its work for the summer in late June or early July. He said he hopes his successor is confirmed "well in advance of the commencement of the court's next term."

His announcement had been hinted at for months. It comes 11 days before his 90th birthday.

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Chief Justice John Roberts said in a written statement that Stevens has earned the gratitude and admiration of the American people.

"He has enriched the lives of everyone at the Court through his intellect, independence, and warm grace," Roberts said.

Several names have emerged as potential replacements including:

The leading candidates to replace Stevens are Solicitor General Elena Kagan, 49, and federal appellate Judges Merrick Garland, 57, and Diane Wood, 59.

There will be more to come as the confirmation hearings heat up this summer.