Treasury Aide to Guide Court Pick

As conservative groups prepare research detailing the records of David Souter’s possible replacement, President Obama has proceeded by arming himself with his own guide. On Sunday, his administration said Stephanie Cutter, current aide to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, will coordinate the search for the next Supreme Court nominee. No stranger to the swift division between parties, Cutter managed the Senate Democratic opposition during President Bush’s appointments of Chief Justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito, Jr. and was deputy communications director under President Clinton. Politico notes Cutter was also a top adviser to Sen. Edward Kennedy and will have to balance coordination with Capitol Hill, the chosen nominee, the White House counsel’s office and outside groups. Officials say the soonest a nominee will be named is the week of Memorial Day.