This just moved across the web:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30508968/
I am very surprised that Souter would be the first to retire during the current administration. Though he turned out to be a liberal vote, his relatively young age (69), didn't make him a logical choice to retire. That
Stevens**, age 89, and Ginsberg, being treated for cancer, didn't go first was a bit of a "news" surprise.
I would expect that Obama may intend to nominate a woman to replace Souter.
However, his choice is likely to be someone who is more of an academic, than that of a "bench" judge or justice. The left tends to look at the law more as an academic exercise, than practical application or original intent. Should he find a woman fitting those attributes, that would solve his own affirmative action, and academic requirements.
** - Corrected