The timing of his announcement leaves ample time for the White House to settle on a successor and Senate Democrats, who control 59 votes, to conduct confirmation hearings and a vote.
Republicans have not ruled out an attempt to delay confirmation.
THEY BETTER FIGHT THIS!
We need to push for a muslim. Court needs a muslim. The person would likely be anti-abortion, anti gay rights, pro religious freedom, pro gun rights, pro death penalty. Need to push Obama to nominate a muslim so the nation of Islam is well represented :)