Rehnquist better get used to speculation

It can’t be fun to hear rampant speculation about whether you’re going to retire or expire soon, but the notice served by Chief Justice William Rehnquist that he’s staying on the bench as long as his health allows won’t stop the guessing game. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s retirement and the advanced age (85) of Justice John Paul Stevens make the future of the court much bigger than Rehnquist’s plans. And with the advise-and-consent process new to 56 senators, including Kansas Sens. Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts, the succession question is only going to generate more buzz.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

2 Comments

  1. Anon
    Posted July 16, 2005 at 10:22 am | Permalink

    the next appointment to SCOTUS will be be the fight of this administration I fear. Both sides are amped on this one and I’m not sure there will be a way to find middle ground without upsetting the respective bases (and the money that comes from them).

  2. k
    Posted July 18, 2005 at 11:48 am | Permalink

    There should be a mandatory retirement age for Supreme’s of 70. Anything older and you chance failing health, or worse, “oldtimers”. Diminished memory and brain function. Being 85 and still having a job for life is ridiculous.