Leahy: Supreme Court hearings should be in summer

WASHINGTON — The Senate chairman who oversees Supreme Court nominations says midsummer hearings will offer the best chance to avoid partisan fighting over Justice John Paul Stevens’ replacement. Vermont Democrat Patrick Leahy tells The Associated Press he will suggest the timing to President Barack Obama, who has not announced a nominee. Confirmation hearings were held in midsummer for the last Democratic nominee, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and the last Republican nominee, Chief Justice John Roberts. Leahy says nobody can complain if Stevens’ replacement is considered by the Judiciary Committee on the same timetable.