The Supreme Court announcement could come as early as this evening, or as late as Monday or Tuesday.

Some observers think that Samuel Alito is a done deal.

Others sources say that Michael Luttig is still in the running ... and Michael McConnell is still mentioned by some.

There is even some buzz that the President might reach up to Group A on the Squid Viewer's Guide and pick Edith Hollan Jones or Janice Rogers Brown ... and start World War III.

Conservative hopes are so high now that if the President picks a moderate squish like Maureen Mahoney or Consuelo Callahan ... consequences will be severe.

We shall see.