WASHINGTON - Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) made the following statement today regarding the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens from the U.S. Supreme Court:

"Justice Stevens has served our country and the Court with distinction for almost 35 years.  I want to thank him for his service to America and wish him well in his retirement.

"I am confident that President Obama will name a well-qualified successor and I hope my Republican colleagues will join us in conducting fair, respectful hearings and a swift confirmation of the President's nominee."