The supreme court is entering its eleventh year with the same justices -- the only longer streak was the 12 yrs from 1811-1823; the longest streak in this century was 6 yrs (1975-1981)

While we like to blame republican presidents for the heavy-duty conservatives on the court, let us remember: William Rehnquist was confirmed 68-26 by a democrat-controlled senate in 1971. Antonin Scalia was confirmed 98-0 by a democrat-controlled senate in 1986. Clarence Thomas was confirmed 52-48 by a democrat-controlled senate in 1991 (a straight party-line vote except for, uh, 10 democrats)

Hm, what do you think the chances are the current republican-controlled senate will return the favor as justices inevitably begin to step down in the next few years.

03 Oct 04