The list is narrowing. We’re now evidently down to five women and one man on Barack Obama’s list for the Supreme Court. It is an interesting list, at least somewhat. Because they are sitting judges I’d put Sonia Sotomayor and Diane Wood ahead of the others, but Jennifer Granholm and Janet Napolitano have strong political skills, and maybe that’s what is needed for a replacement of David Souter. I suppose I am with everyone that Carlos Moreno doesn’t stand a chance.

The handicapping is part of the fun of this reality show odf a political event. Sotomayor has been a favorite since before Obama’s election, and one wonders whether her chances will fade down the stretch. Crooks and Liars notes (with video goodness) that the smearing of Sotomayor has already begun, and Politico points to Orin Hatch fretting about an abscure statement by Sotomayor. What do the tea leaves say? Yeah, the reality show that is the SCOTUS nomination process has well begun, and the Republicans see this as a chance to take the stage.

The secret phrase for the Republicans will, of course, be “activist judge,” but it is unlikely facts will get in the way of their analysis. Mitch McConnell and Jeff Sessions have already signalled their intent to label anyone who Barack Obama nominates as an “activist judge, according to Politico:

“Unless the president sends up a very controversial nominee, the vote should occur well in advance of the first Monday in October, which is when the court reconvenes,” said McConnell.

The White House has ruled out any announcement on a high court nominee this week.

Both McConnell and Sessions said they hope the president will not name a “judicial activist” as his nominee.

“I didn’t recommend anyone, but I do believe that someone who is not a judicial activist would be best for the country. Someone who does take the law as written seriously. Someone who does not confuse the role with that of a legislator and hopefully the president will name someone along those lines,” said McConnell.

“We are hopeful that a nominee will come forth that is a unifying nominee that we can all support,” added Sessions.

McConnell would not say whether or not Senate Republicans would filibuster if they believe the president has nominated a judicial activist to the high court. “We’ll take a look at the nominee, and respond appropriately,” he told reporters Wednesday.

Yeah, this is truly a reality show masquerading as high-minded legislating, especially ont he part of Mitch McConnell and Jeff Sessions. A whole bunch of Republicans without the wits to actually judge will label and whine. McConnell, doesn’t have much experience besides politics, and Sessions was himself rejected for the court when nominated by Reagan for connections to racist organizations. They are amatuers, and in Sessions’ case, a man who is the least qualified to judge a candidate who is a minority. Hey, but that’s the way the Republicans play the game.

This will make for an entertaining summer, I’m thinking. Stay tuned. The Republicans, all fired up about Palin and Miss California, are going to make this an all-out reality show. Don’t miss it!