The front-runner among front-runners

Tom Goldstein takes an in-depth look at the three apparent front-runners for nomination to the Supreme Court — Elena Kagan, Diane Wood, and Merrick Garland. He concludes that Kagan is likely to emerge as the nominee. Although I originally viewed Kagan as the front-runner, recently I suggested that Wood might have a slight edge.
Tom is much more knowledgeable and sophisticated in these matters than I am. In addition, my track record when it comes to predicting Supreme Court nominees is poor. I will say, however, that Tom analyzes most of the subsidiary questions surrounding the selection — likely magnitude of Republican opposition, perceptions of the left-liberal base, etc. — about the same way I did.