Nothing speaks better politics than numbers.

Senate Democratic Policy Committee Web Site

William H. Rehnquist, the 16th Chief Justice of the United States and a leader of the court's conservative bloc for three decades, died Saturday evening at his home in Arlington, a court spokesman announced.

Rehnquist, 80, has been undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer since October.

His death creates the first vacancy for a chief justice since 1986.

Court spokesman Kathy Arberg said Rehnquist was surrounded by his three children when he died, the Associated Press reported.

"The Chief Justice battled thyroid cancer since being diagnosed last October and continued to perform his dues on the court until a precipitous decline in his health the last couple of days," she said.

Rehnquist's death provides President Bush with yet another vacancy to fill on the court. He nominated John G. Roberts Jr. earlier this summer to succeed Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who announced her retirement on July 1. Hearings on the Roberts nomination are scheduled to begin Tuesday.

The announcement follows months of speculation and rumor about Rehnquist's health. The frenzy prompted Rehnquist to put out a statement on July 14 saying he wanted "to put to rest the speculation and unfounded rumors of my imminent retirement. I am not about to announce my retirement," he said. "I will continue to perform my duties as chief justice as long as my health permits."

Bush now has a major opportunity to attempt to reshape the highest court in the land.

Rehnquist's death creates the need for two and perhaps three confirmation hearings. If Bush elevates a sitting justice to Rehnquist's position, confirmation hearings will be required for the designated Chief Justice, as well as for replacements for the associate justice elevated as well as for Roberts.

here's the post article... pretty light and boiler plate. Dunno how many A-hitting writers are near a computer to spit out good copy. Since it broke so late we'll see if makes more than 8 column inches. Expect best stuff to come out online and Monday morning.

Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist Dies

Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist died Saturday evening at his home in suburban Virginia, said Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg.

A statement from the spokeswoman said he was surrounded by his three children when he died in Arlington.

"The Chief Justice battled thyroid cancer since being diagnosed last October and continued to perform his dues on the court until a precipitous decline in his health the last couple of days," she said.

Rehnquist was appointed to the Supreme Court as an associate justice in 1971 by President Nixon and took his seat on Jan. 7, 1982. He was elevated to chief justice by President Reagan in 1986.

His death ends a remarkable 33-year Supreme Court career during which Rehnquist oversaw the court's conservative shift, presided over an impeachment trial and helped decide a presidential election.

The death President Bush his second court opening within pour months and sets up what's expected to be an even more bruising Senate confirmation battle than that of John Roberts.

Rehnquist, 80 and ill with cancer, presided over President Clinton's impeachment trial in 1999, helped settle the 2000 presidential election in Bush's favor, and fashioned decisions over the years that diluted the powers of the federal government while strengthening those of the states.

oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit.

Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist died Saturday evening

Cindy Sheehan, mother of Army Specialist Casey Sheehan who was killed in Iraq, continues her vigil outside President Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas. She was recently joined by more moms who lost a child in Iraq and other military families. Meanwhile President Bush continues his five-week vacation and pledged Thursday to keep U.S. troops in Iraq—meaning more moms will lose a child.

The big one will be at 7:30 in DC infront of the White House along Hst. 189 people are registered thus far. The big one in Atlanta already has 302 registered. There's one in nashville at the parthenon has 106. Come on out...

Join us as we recognize the efforts of Cindy Sheenan with a respectful vigil this Wednesday. It is our opportunity to show admiration for her courage, as she waits in front of the president’s ranch for a chance to speak to him She would like to ask him if her son would feel that he died for the good of his country, because she feels his death was unnecessary. Those who would like to share their thoughts or prayers are invited to do so. This is a public sidewalk and is handicap accessible.

MoveOn.org Political Action

President Bush will select U.S. Circuit Judge John Roberts Jr. to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the nation's highest court, CNN has learned.

And now the real fireworks display starts..

CNN.com - Bush nominates Roberts for Supreme Court - Jul 19, 2005

Okay so tonight at 9pm my money is gonna be on the crazy one.

Supreme Court Announcement Tonight, White House Says

Top presidential adviser Karl Rove was the anonymous source who released a Time reporter from his promise of confidentiality, allowing the journalist to avoid jail, Newsweek says.

In a story published today, Newsweek reveals more details about the celebrated case stemming from the leak of an undercover CIA agent's name in 2003.

The publication of Valerie Plame's name by Chicago Sun-Times syndicated columnist Robert Novak set off an investigation because it's a crime to knowingly identify an undercover CIA official.

This story keeps getting better... I watched none of the sunday shows so I feel quite blind right now.

Newsweek: Rove gave Time reporter OK to testify

So this is an article about how rove's lawyers deny that karl is the leak. My favorite is the fact that it's from the washington times... the pinnicle of straight from copy news.

a better article is this:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8445696/site/newsweek/

--timball

Lawyer denies Rove leaked Plame's name

Dead President Bush:

This is to inform you of my decision to retire from my position as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States effective upon the nomination and confirmation of my successor. It has been a great privilege, indeed, to have served as a member of the Court for 24 Terms. I will leave it with enormous respect for the integrity of the Court and its role under our Constitutional structure.

Sincerely,
Sandra Day O'Connor

Okay I hilighted the important parts. Bring it on.

Sandra Day O'Connor Announces Retirement - July 1, 2005

Okay this is funny... going undercover at the CRNC. If I knew it was in town I would have gone and try to get me some of that republican tail.

CampusProgress.org | Undercover at the College Republicans National Convention