Author: Richard Wolf, USA TODAY

Virtually nothing motivates liberals and conservatives in America’s culture wars more than a Supreme Court vacancy, particularly in an election year.

The line to succeed Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court starts with these five federal appeals court judges.

The list is intended to elevate the nation’s highest court as an issue in 2020 – and put pressure on Democratic nominee Joe Biden to follow suit.

Ginsburg’s health has been a cause for worry among Democrats and liberals for years. She has had several medical issues during the Trump presidency.

The court’s unpredictability is largely the work of Chief Justice John Roberts, who has become a hugely influential figure in American life.

Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance called the ruling a “tremendous victory” and emphasized he will follow the law and the facts “wherever they may lead.”

The ruling carries political as well as legal and constitutional implications for the president and Congress.

The 65-year-old Roberts, the nation’s 17th chief justice, has had a history of occasional seizures going back to 1993.