Chief Justice William Rehnquist has died — Page 2

The thing that makes it different than Rehnquist remaining in the position is simply an age thing, as long as Rehnquist was CJ there was that chance that he would soon decide to retire, now both his replacement and the new CJ will be making decisions for the next twenty years.
His replacement's role is not as pivotal as that of O'Connor (now Roberts) but the difference between Rehnquist and even another extreme conservative is tangible.

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Despite seeing this coming, it still makes me 'shiver with anticipation' - and NOT in a good way!

"Bush to Nominate Roberts As Chief Justice By JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Moving swiftly, President Bush will nominate John Roberts to succeed William H. Rehnquist as chief justice, a senior administration source said Monday.

The president was to make the announcement in the Oval Office before leaving for another trip to the hurricane-battered Gulf Coast.

Bush met with Roberts at the White House on Sunday evening for about a half an hour and then offered him the top position at the Supreme Court on Monday morning, the administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because Bush had not announced his selection."