President Obama is stepping up his search for a nominee to replace Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

The president reportedly met with federal judge Sidney Thomas in the Oval Office on Monday. Thomas serves on the San Francisco-based 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which is known for its liberal rulings.

Attorneys who know Judge Thomas say he's an independent thinker who speaks his mind. He's one of about 10 nominees on the list to take Stevens' place when he retires this summer.

CBN News spoke with Carrie Severino, legal counsel for the Judicial Crisis Network, about the search for a Supreme Court justice.  Click play for her coments.