WASHINGTON (July 13) - Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who has cancer, was hospitalized overnight Tuesday for fever, a spokeswoman said.
Rehnquist, was taken by ambulance to an Arlington, Va., hospital Tuesday night and ''was admitted for observation and tests,'' Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said.
He had been coming to the court daily until Wednesday. Court officials, questioned about his absence, revealed that he was in the hospital.
Rehnquist, 80 and ill with thyroid cancer, has been the subject of intense speculation about whether he would retire. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, 75, announced earlier this month that she would be leaving.
The confirmation of the hospitalization followed unusual comings and goings at Rehnquist's suburban Virginia town home. A court police officer made several trips to the house, leaving each time with various personal items. First the officer carried out Rehnquist's distinctive cane and a shirt. Later, he brought out shoes and pants.
It was the second time in less than four months that Rehnquist was taken by ambulance to Arlington Hospital. In March, he was brought in with breathing problems.
Just a friendly little reminder as to what would happen if Rehnquist passes away. Along with Sandra Day O'Conner's retirement, Rehnquist's passing would give President Bush an opportunity to place two Supreme Court justices on the bench--as well as nominating a new Chief Justice. In this situation, I'd say that Bush would elevate either Antonin Scalia or Clarence Thomas to the position of Chief Justice. Thomas would be a big selection, since the Republicans could play the race card--we've selected the first black chief justice to the court. Then Bush could select a hard-lined conservative ideologue for an associate justice with a vague judicial record that the Democrats could not use against the nominee. Whatever the strategy, you can expect Bush to select hard-lined conservatives to the court, and the Republican Party will try to push for short confirmation hearings in September, so the dirt and skeletons do not become revealed, before the Court begins its session in October.
It is going to be a long, hot summer.
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