Chief Justice Rehnquist dies

Everyone expected him to retire months ago, but he stayed on the court despite his failing health. However, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court William Rehnquist passed away yesterday at the age of 80. Thyroid cancer claimed his life. AP story here.

I'm certain we'll be treated to critiques of his life and career over the coming days, though the reporting will probably (and rightly) not be as extensive as it will be for continuing relief efforts along the Gulf Coast. It will be interesting to see (1) who Rehnquist's replacement nominee will be, and (2) which fight the Senate libs want to pick: John Roberts, Rehnquist's replacement, or both. They don't have the political capital to fight both without looking (more) petty and childish, especially since the left is already frustrated that Katrina has distracted attention from their "smear Roberts" campaign. That level of compassion is just touching, isn't it?

At any rate, there will be a time and a place to worry about all that. Until then, thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Rehnquist family.

UPDATE (9/5/05 7:16 a.m.): Sadly, the moonbats who typify the Democratic Underground user are unleashing some venom. You think the above "we can't effectively smear John Roberts" sentiment is touching, how about this level of compassion? There’s one less racist breathing air I could be breathing tonight. Be ready to read comparisons to Hitler, invitations to dance and urinate on his grave, etc.

Doesn't the left tell us how cold, callous, and uncaring right-of-center people are? Does this level of vitriol qualify as the "compassion" market these moonbats claim to corner?

And they wonder why the electorate won't entrust them with the keys to public office?