US chief justice dies

WASHINGTON – William Rehnquist, chief justice and a leading conservative voice on the US Supreme Court, died late on Saturday from thyroid cancer, setting the stage for a new political battle for President George W.

Bush over the makeup of the judiciary. Rehnquist, the 16th chief justice of the United States, “died this evening at his home in Arlington, Virginia, surrounded by his three children,” the court said in a statement.He was first diagnosed with cancer last October, but had kept working up to recent days.”The president and Mrs Bush are deeply saddened at the passing of Chief Justice Rehnquist,” spokeswoman Jeanie Mamo said.”His family is in their thoughts and prayers.”Coming on the heels of the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in July, Rehnquist’s death broadens the political fight over the makeup of the Supreme Court, which plays a key role in shaping America’s political and social landscape.Federal appeals court judge John Roberts, a conservative, has been named by Bush to replace O’Connor.But although his initial reception in Congress was positive, Roberts is expected to face a tough confirmation hearing, during which his positions on issues ranging from abortion to the role of government will be closely scrutinised.The hearings are scheduled to start this week.Rehnquist’s passing means the president will have to wage a second major political battle over a successor, who is likely to be a social conservative like Rehnquist.The most mentioned name to become chief justice is Antonin Scalia, a pillar of the Supreme Court’s conservative faction.Appeals court Judge Michael Luttig or US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales are seen as likely candidates to take Scalia’s place.- Nampa-AFPRehnquist, the 16th chief justice of the United States, “died this evening at his home in Arlington, Virginia, surrounded by his three children,” the court said in a statement.He was first diagnosed with cancer last October, but had kept working up to recent days.”The president and Mrs Bush are deeply saddened at the passing of Chief Justice Rehnquist,” spokeswoman Jeanie Mamo said.”His family is in their thoughts and prayers.”Coming on the heels of the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in July, Rehnquist’s death broadens the political fight over the makeup of the Supreme Court, which plays a key role in shaping America’s political and social landscape.Federal appeals court judge John Roberts, a conservative, has been named by Bush to replace O’Connor.But although his initial reception in Congress was positive, Roberts is expected to face a tough confirmation hearing, during which his positions on issues ranging from abortion to the role of government will be closely scrutinised.The hearings are scheduled to start this week.Rehnquist’s passing means the president will have to wage a second major political battle over a successor, who is likely to be a social conservative like Rehnquist.The most mentioned name to become chief justice is Antonin Scalia, a pillar of the Supreme Court’s conservative faction.Appeals court Judge Michael Luttig or US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales are seen as likely candidates to take Scalia’s place.- Nampa-AFP