Speculation is growing that the next Justice of the US Supreme Court will be Judge Diane Wood of the 7th Circuit Court Of Appeals.

From the Washington Post

President Obama is intensifying his search for a Supreme Court nominee and has interviewed Judge Diane P. Wood of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit in Chicago, believed to be among a handful of top contenders.

Wood arrived in Washington on Tuesday to attend a conference at the Georgetown University Law Center, but she met with Obama as well, according to an individual familiar with the vetting process. Wood is a 14-year veteran of the federal bench and has known Obama since both taught at the University of Chicago Law School.

The article also mentions Solicitor General Kagan but I am inclined to lean towards the influence of the Chicago connection. Obama has usually gone to that well when selecting major appointments so far and he also liked to work with people he knows.

A knowledgable source has suggested that at age 58, Wood might be too old and some liberal groups could quietly discourage Obama from making that kind of a pick, though I am not sure that she is past her prime. In any case an announcement is not expected until next week at the earliest.