Following U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens' announced retirement, President Obama described the kind of nominee he will seek to replace Stevens: "It will also be someone who, like Justice Stevens, knows that in a democracy, powerful interests must not be allowed to drown out the voices of ordinary citizens."

Nan Aron, president of the Alliance for Justice, also issued a statement: "The President now has an opportunity to name a worthy successor who will stand up for equal justice for all, not just the wealthy or powerful."

Such a nominee would surely look askance at the wealthy and powerful federal government forcing ordinary citizens to purchase health care coverage against their will.