Rehnquist Links

This New York Times article (via SCOTUS Blog) explains the nature of Rehnquist's illness and how this interacted with his fellow Justices. Most interesting is how Rehnquist's illness played into O'Connor's decision:

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who took her colleagues by surprise on July 1 by announcing her intention to retire, called the chief justice's death "an earthquake for the court."

Noting that she has made her retirement contingent on the confirmation of a successor, she said she had not yet decided what she might do if the first Monday in October dawns and her seat has not been filled. It would be, she said, a "surprising dilemma."

...Justice O'Connor said that as the last term proceeded, she had expected the chief justice to arrive at a decision to retire. Hoping to retire herself, she awaited word from him because she did not want to create a second vacancy. Finally, she said, "I asked him, and he told me he really wanted to go another year and thought he'd be O.K."

Slate has an excellent remembrance of Rehnquist by one of his law clerks. It looks at Rehnquist the man, something frequently lost in discussions of his legacy and jurisprudence. The highlight is this:

He invited us to his home for dinner and charades; I don't think I'll ever forget watching the chief act out Saving Private Ryan, crawling around under his coffee table, pointing his fingers like a gun, and mouthing "pow, pow!"

Stanford Magazine has an interesting and comprehensive history of his development. It is worth a look at.

Slate also had a good analysis of the politics awaiting Bush's decision.

Last, but certainly not least, it seems that Bush will not wait the two weeks he did to fill O'Connor's spot. Probably to avoid this.

-Mr. Alec