Elena Kagan is the new nominee...

...say all the (probably not far-fetched) rumors about a Monday confirmation.

She's Solicitor General of the United States, which means that she represents the government of the United States whenever a case brings the US government to the Supreme Court. She has never been a judge before, is 50 and white, and possibly represents a constituency that has probably not yet had representation on the SC before...

There's serious question as to whether or not she is gay; Republicans would be delighted if she was, but either way there's no indication that she actually is, besides Republican-reported rumors of a lesbian lover and closeted homosexuality. Wouldn't it be cool if she was, though? And came out right after she was confirmed? Zing!

...that was a joke.

But who really cares what her sexual preference is; she's a champion of gay rights issues, and is another reasonably liberal (but not fanatical) choice for the Obama administration. She's a woman, sure to bring a little more balance to the court, and will be a reliable progressive for years to come (she's solidly young).

With the political climate as it is though, it's quite possible that she'll run into a lot of problems becoming nominated. More dirt-slinging is very likely, and more allegations of homosexuality are almost certain. She doesn't have the "come up from the dirt" story that Sotomayor had, and it's unclear if Republicans will try to use her lack of judging experience against her. If she can keep a mild-mannered low profile like Sotomayor did, and let the White House sell her, she'll be fine, but who knows yet how spunky she's liable to be.

One thing's for sure though. Obama better hurry. He's only got about 6 months left to push through 3 serious legislation pieces (financial reform, immigration reform, climate reform) and get Kagan nominated. If Republicans can stall till November, they'll have (at minimum) +4 seats (-4 for dems) and maybe more, leaving Obama in a necessary conciliatory position toward the most powerful of US legislative bodies.

Push, push, push, Obama, and great call on Kagan. Very nice choice. Now let's wait and see what happens.

Republicans; your move.