Former Justice David Souter, the 'stealth' Supreme Court nominee who disappointed conservatives, dies at 85
Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a lifelong bachelor who was renowned for his love of a simple life in New Hampshire and dislike of Washington, died on Thursday at the age of 85, according to a Supreme Court statement.
WASHINGTON — Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a lifelong bachelor who was renowned for his love of a simple life in New Hampshire and dislike of Washington, died at home on Thursday at the age of 85, the court said in a statement.
Plucked from relative obscurity to serve on the Supreme Court, Souter gravely disappointed conservatives whose hopes that he would be a reliable conservative vote were quickly dashed as he aligned with more liberal justices on issues like abortion.
"Justice David Souter served our court with great distinction for nearly twenty years. He brought uncommon wisdom and kindness to a lifetime of public service," Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement. "He will be greatly missed."
Appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 to replace liberal Justice William Brennan, Souter was viewed as a stealth candidate, someone who Republicans hoped could be easily confirmed but would prove to be a solid conservative.
Souter, little known outside of New England, was duly confirmed by the Senate in a 90-9 vote.
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