Chief Justice Rehnquist announced last night that he is not planning to retire at this time:
"I want to put to rest the speculation and unfounded rumors of my imminent retirement," Rehnquist said. "I am not about to announce my retirement. I will continue to perform my duties as chief justice as long as my health permits."
This announcement will end months of speculation about the Chief Justice’s plans, and allow attention to focus on the process for selecting a replacement for Justice O’Connor. We hope that will include active, ongoing White House consultation with Senators of both parties aimed at finding a nominee in the legal mainstream who will not spark a divisive battle in the Senate.
