By MARK SHERMAN and JENNIFER LOVEN,AP
Obama will appoint a new Justice...
Justice David Souter is planning to retire after nearly two decades on the Supreme Court,but his departure is unlikely to change its conservative-liberal split.
President Barack Obama’s first pick for the high court is likely to be a liberal-leaning nominee,much like Souter.
The White House has been told that Souter will retire in June,when the court finishes its work for the summer,a source familiar with his plans said Thursday night. The retirement is likely to take effect only once a successor is confirmed.