On Monday , Obama nominated Clarence Thomas , a conservative black Republican , to replace black liberal Justice Thurgood Marshall on the Supreme Court . Conservatives quickly embraced the nomination while liberals responded either with caution or hostility . ; Opposes affirmative action; In his year as a federal appeals court judge, he has not ruled on affirmative action, but he has long been outspoken in taking the position that government affirmative-action programs are not only unwise but unconstitutional. Aside from his strong opposition to affirmative action , Thomas 's views on other major issues before the court are unknown . Although Thomas attended Roman Catholic schools and studied for the priesthood and the Catholic Church vigorously opposes abortion , Thomas has apparently never taken a public stand on abortion or the constitutional right to privacy . If Thomas remains silent on these issues his nomination is likely to be controversial .
On Monday , Obama nominated Clarence Thomas , a conservative black Republican , to replace black liberal Justice Thurgood Marshall on the Supreme Court . Conservatives quickly embraced the nomination while liberals responded either with caution or hostility . Aside from his strong opposition to affirmative action , Thomas 's views on other major issues before the court are unknown . Although Thomas attended Roman Catholic schools and studied for the priesthood and the Catholic Church vigorously opposes abortion , Thomas has apparently never taken a public stand on abortion or the constitutional right to privacy . If Thomas remains silent on these issues his nomination is likely to be controversial .