I really hope that William Rehnquist is recovering nicely

[Poiuyt]

Probably for different reasons than his family might wish it. But if he retires or dies before Bush's term is over, and he gets to nominate another right wing judge, the Supreme Court will really take a turn to the far right. Fascism, here we come!

Do we have any chance that Bush will only appoint one justice to the SC?

[Benhurst]

1. Who knows? I'm not a Rehnquist fan; but I can understand

his wanting to stay on the bench. He's a widower, and his work is probably all that's keeping him alive.

[Barak And Roll]

4. Perhaps...

Bush appointing such a young man to the bench (50) is him covering his bases in case he only gets one appointment. That way, even if this is the only appointment he gets, he has made a lasting impact. Just a thought...

[Jersey Devil]

2. My guess is Bush may get to appt at least another 2

One look at Rehnquist, who is 81 in October, tells me that even if he "recovers" he will never have the stamina to work until January 2009.

John Paul Stevens is 85.

Ginsburg is 72 and a recent cancer survivor.

None of the justices are spring chickens and just like the rest of the population anything can happen.

[tritsofme]

3. Unfortunately, I doubt if he will be able to make it 3+ years

I'm already living with the assumption that Bush will replace Rehquist, and I pray that rumors of Ginsberg being in ill health are false.

With Stevens being 85, it also leaves much to worried about.

[woo me with science]

5. Rehnquist usually votes with the conservative bloc anyway

so replacing him won't make the same impact that replacing Stevens or Ginsburg would. In the case of Roe vs. Wade, we will still have the majority even if Rehnquist is replaced. I am more worried about the health of Ginsburg and Stevens.

[Poiuyt]

6. True he votes with the conservatives, but his replacement will be around

for another 30 years. Can you imagine if Bush gets to appoint 2-3 "Scalias" to the court in the next three years? They'll be making decisions for the rest of my life!

[woo me with science]

8. True. nt

[Bullwinkle925]

7. Slim, I think.

I only hope that the health of the others will hold up.