Another Opening

Last October Chief Justice William Rehnquist was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, leading to much speculation about his future on the Supreme Court. And since there are only nine justices who are appointed for life, any possible opening is a pretty big deal. Then when the Court went into recess for the summer, traditionally the time that justices announce their retirements, the speculation ratcheted up even more. Even when justice Sandra Day O'Connor announced she was stepping down, talk about Rehnquist persisted.

Then on July 14, seeking to squash a flurry of rumors, Rehnquist declared that he had no immediate plans to retire from the Supreme Court and would continue to serve as long as his health permits.

Last night, with his children at his side, he died at his home of the illness.

No immediate word on how this development will effect his future plans.