The anticipation over Barack Obama’s selection for the next U.S. Supreme Court Justice goes up just a bit as each day passes without an announcement. As pundits across the nation handicap the possibilities, one Chicagoan may be uniquely qualified to weigh in on the proceedings. Abner Mikva has served in all three branches of the federal government. He was a White House legal advisor under President Clinton. Before that, he spent 15 years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, the last few as Chief Judge. He’s also a former Congressman. Judge Mikva looks back on his career and offers insights into politics today. 

The Chicagoland chapter of Phi Beta Kappa honors Judge Mikva this Sunday afternoon with a reception at the Union League Club of Chicago. He’ll give a talk titled “Presidents Who Are Lawyers: What a Difference it Makes.”

Music Button: Metheny/Mehldau Quartet, “En La Tierra Que No Olvida”, from the CD Metheny/Mehldau Quartet, (Nonesuch records)