U.S. chief justice says he's not about to retire
Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:07 PM ET
By Deborah Charles
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Chief Justice William Rehnquist said on Thursday that he is not about to retire, despite widespread speculation about how much longer his health will allow him to stay on the nine-member court.
"I want to put to rest the speculation and unfounded rumors of my imminent retirement," Rehnquist, 80, who suffers from thyroid cancer, said in a statement issued by his family.
"I am not about to announce my retirement. I will continue to perform my duties as chief justice as long as my health permits," he added.
The Rehnquist statement surfaced hours after he was released from a hospital, where he had been admitted with a fever two days ago.
Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg gave no details on the Rehnquist's condition, saying only, "He's been released and he is at home."
Rehnquist went to a Virginia hospital by ambulance on Tuesday night with a fever and was admitted for tests and observation. He left around midday on Thursday.
Rehnquist's illness has raised questions about his future as chief justice.
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has already announced her retirement. If Rehnquist leaves too, President Bush would have two seats to fill on the high court, which has the final word in the U.S. judicial system.
Bush has not yet chosen anyone to replace O'Connor despite pressure from across the political spectrum. A second vacancy would increase that ideological battle and could bring a major fight in the Senate, which must confirm the nominee.
An influential conservative on the Supreme Court for more than 30 years, Rehnquist was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October.
He had a tracheotomy and then underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatments. After working from home for several months, a frail-looking Rehnquist made his first public appearance since being diagnosed when he swore in Bush for his second term in office in January.
Rehnquist returned to the bench in March but appeared weak and his raspy, wheezy voice -- impacted by the tube in his throat -- often made him hard to understand.
Rumors of his possible resignation grew more intense at the end of the court's term late last month, but when he announced the end of the session Rehnquist gave no indication of his plans.
The last time there were two Supreme Court vacancies at the same time was in late 1971, when Rehnquist was one of the two nominees tapped for the court.
Rehnquist has no deadline to meet if he decides to step down. Supreme Court justices are appointed for life, so if he decides to retire, he can do so at any time.
today.reuters.com |
