Just as it looks that the news from New Orleans is getting better, Justice William Rehnquist dies. This opens a second spot on the high court. He was clearly a man who served his country well. He was dedicated. He worked up until a couple of days ago. He was originally appointed by Reagan then elevated to Chief Justice by Bush (41). I'm deeply saddened by his passing. I'm afraid that Roberts will look like a bleeding heart liberal compared to whomever Bush picks to replace Rehnquist.

From CNN.com:

Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who quietly advanced the conservative ideology of the Supreme Court under his leadership, died Saturday evening. He was 80.

The justice, diagnosed with thyroid cancer, had a tracheotomy and received chemotherapy and radiation as part of his treatment.

Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said Rehnquist had "continued to perform his duties on the Court until a precipitous decline in his health the last couple of days."

Then with his three children beside him, the justice died at his suburban Virginia home, a court spokeswoman said. (more...)