Reactions from advocacy groups across the political spectrum are streaming in following the news of Justice John Paul Stevens’ retirement.
Here’s a sampling of statements:
* Nan Aron, president of the liberal [Alliance for Justice](http://www.afj.org/), said: “For over three decades, Associate Justice John Paul Stevens has been a tremendous force for fairness on the Supreme Court, and his contributions to the advancement of constitutional protections are immense. He has emerged as one of the Court’s most vocal and eloquent spokespersons for individual liberties, separation of powers, and equal access to justice. A master tactician, he leaves a legacy of championing personal freedoms and human dignity in defense of everyday Americans. His fierce protection of core Constitutional values and his distinctive voice will be greatly missed.”
* Michael Keegan, president of [People For the American Way](http://www.pfaw.org/), said: “I hope he will select someone who will continue Justice Stevens’s tradition of working to ensure that individuals receive the fair treatment that our Constitution guarantees. In recent years, the Court has given extraordinary preference to powerful interests at the expense of ordinary Americans. Justice Stevens was a bulwark against that trend. Our country’s next Justice must play a similar role.”
* [Americans United for Life](http://www.aul.org/) President and CEO Charmaine Yoest said: “There are several nominees on the President’s short list of replacements for Justice Stevens who have a radical track record on the abortion issue. If a nominee is selected who is committed to imposing his or her social agenda on the Court, rather than interpreting the Constitution fairly, we will work to oppose their confirmation vigorously.”
