Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Dead at Age 80.

I won't speak ill of the dead, especially this close to the hour of his passing, but I will speculate briefly on what will happen to the court in his absence, specifically, who will take his place? I know the other two branches of government were hoping Sandra Day O'Connor would agree to take his place as Chief Justice back when the rumors of his impending retirement were swirling; press reports described her as receptive to the idea at the time. I think she'd still be receptive to the idea of a super-awesome resume-padder, (which would be the most recent entry on said resume, under the heading 'Experience'), I think Bush would like to have an easy-breezy confirmation process (especially after his unbelievable mishandling of Katrina's aftermath), and I think Congress, after what may prove to be rancorous confirmation hearings regarding soon-to-be-Justice Roberts, will be more than happy to confirm someone both sides eagerly agree upon, and save the hard work of confirming Scalia or Thomas to the post for a few years when O'Connor decides to hang it up for good.