Neil H. Buchanan (guest blogger):

     I wondered recently whether Justice O’Connor’s retirement from the Supreme Court would end any remaining possibility of action on Social Security privatization.  In addition to the obvious fact that the fight over O’Connor’s replacement is likely to be long and exhausting for everyone involved, it’s worth noting that Sen. Charles Grassley (R., Iowa), who as Chairman of the Finance Committee has been trying to come up with a plan for adding private accounts to the Social Security system, is also on the Judiciary Committee, which will hold highly visible hearings on any nominee(s).

     Recently, two national newspapers have reported that, indeed, the O’Connor situation has called into question the likelihood of progress on Social Security legislation (or anything else, for that matter).  Interestingly, they take different slants on whether this is good or bad for the administration.  The Chicago Tribune says: "High Court Fight Threatens to Derail Bush’s Agenda," while the Baltimore Sun says: "Court Choice Let’s Bush Shift Subject, Say Conservatives."