Justice Samuel Alito Jr. Rejects Retirement Speculation
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Jr. stated he decided against retiring last term because he continues to make a valuable contribution to the court.
Associate Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. told CBS News that he considers retirement every year but decided against stepping down during the term that ended in July. The 76-year-old justice explained that his decision to remain on the bench was based on his belief that he can still make a "valuable contribution" to the court.
Alito's comments address ongoing speculation regarding his tenure as the United States approaches midterm elections. He noted that it is difficult to predict personal health or the political landscape, specifically regarding what a president might do to fill a vacancy.
These remarks follow a June report from National Public Radio that incorrectly claimed the justice was stepping down; that report was subsequently retracted.
