I think Thomas is only in his late 50's, which makes him the baby of the court. Take a look at the supreme court, they could be the cast of 60 Minutes, a bunch of 80 year olds.
Thomas still carries enormous baggage. Still, it's hard to say which would have an easier time getting by the Senate.
Maybe the Democrats in Congress, after the sound spanking they got all around, will eat a bit of humble pie and drop this ridiculous blockade, but I doubt it.
Oh well, maybe the GOP will have 60 in the 110th Senate.