Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist was hospitalized after complaining of a fever, heightening speculation on his future with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Rehnquist, 80, has thyroid cancer and has been rumored to be considering his resignation. He hasn't announced his plans, however, and the court didn't report the hospitalization until press inquiries were made about his whereabouts yesterday.

A resignation would give President Bush another opportunity to shape the court's makeup. He is reportedly considering a large number of people to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who retired on July 1. Dozens of names, including Republican senators, administrative officials like Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales or sitting appellate court judges have been mentioned.

Bush doesn't plan to name his pick until the end of the month at the earliest.

Get the Story:
Rehnquist Is Hospitalized With Fever (The Washington Post 7/14)
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Rehnquist Checks Into Hospital With Fever (The New York Times 7/14)
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Question of Recusals Is Raised Against Gonzales (The Washington Post 7/14)
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Views Mixed On Nominee To High Court Being Female (The Washington Post 7/14)
Picking Non-Judge Justice Would Return to Tradition (The New York Times 7/14)
Senators Who Averted Showdown Face New Test in Court Fight (The New York Times 7/14)

Relevant Links:
NARF-NCAI Tribal Supreme Court Project - http://www.narf.org/sct/index.html

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