I've often said that liberals fail at basic logic, apparently we can add basic math to the list as well.

In reality the current SCOTUS breakdown is this:

4 libbies

3 conservatives

2 moderates

To "win" on any issue, all the libbies have to do is convince one of the two moderates. The conservatives however have to convince both moderates.

If John Roberts proves to be a Rehnquist clone (which is what has been predicted), then Kennedy becomes the most important justice on the SCOTUS. He'll decide most issues.

The libbies really have nothing to fear until Stevens retires.

Todd,

In realty if any of these 5 (Stevens, Breyer, Ginsburg, Souter, Kennedy) retire then it will change.

I think I read somewhere the Ginsburg is 85 years old. My Grandma is 85 and she sleep 12 hours a day. My guess his Ginsburg is going to try and hold off until 2009 with the next President but at 85 Years old he might not make it 4 more years and that would make it by your number 5 Con. 1 Mod. 3 Lib. assume all Bush picks turn out to be what we think we are getting. Even if one of the 3 turn into a Mod. it would be 4 Con. 2 Mod. 3 Lib. witch put thing in a much better place.

Robert