Just coming over the news. Found dead at a West Texas “luxury ranch”, whatever that is.

UPDATE: Very quick initial thoughts (I will “eulogies” him later.)

The political implications of this are huge. For one thing, this Supreme Court term had many important 5-4 issues in front of the Court, or… what would have been 5-4. Immigration, climate change, even abortion… big issues. These become 4-4… which means the lower court stands (for better or for worse).

More importantly, this is the first time since Clarence Thomas 25 years ago that a President will attempt to nominate an Associate Justice with the Senate (who needs to approve) in the majority of the other party. And even with Thomas, Bush still had two years left. Obama is in his last year. Will the Republican Senate try to “run out the clock”? You bet. Will that itself be controversial? Yes, and expect that itself to be a campaign issue about weekday is wrong with Washington.

And speaking of the campaigns, this becomes a huge issue, guaranteed to motivate voters on both sides.

The political landscape, and in many ways, the future direction of the country have changed, although nobody knows which way.

For the first time in maybe ever, this election will control ALL THREE branches of government. Think about that.