Bringing in the tea party movement — known for its high-energy rallies and protests calling for small government, lower taxes and less spending — would be a coup for conservatives, who were not able to stop the confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor last year.

This time, "you may have a whole new group of activists involved," said Tom Fitton of the conservative group Judicial Watch.

Obama is considering about 10 candidates for the court and promises to make his choice quickly. His nominee — pending Senate confirmation — would replace Justice John Paul Stevens, who is retiring this summer.