Election Looms as Supreme Court Starts Term

"I want my judges to understand that part of the role of the court is to look out for the people who don't have political power, the people who are on the outside, the people who aren't represented, the people who don't have a lot of money," Obama said in March. "And yes, I want a woman on the court absolutely."

McCain has said, "I have my own standards of judicial ability, experience, philosophy and temperament. And Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito meet those standards in every respect. They would serve as the model for my own nominees if that responsibility falls to me."