William Rehnquist has passed away. It appears that we may have to make do with eight Justices for a while. Following is an assortment of thoughts on the subject.
Swing State Project reports: "Confirmation hearings will go forward for John Roberts on Tuesday (via Fox News) The Republican spin is already that Roberts was the moderate choice and now the president has the ability to pick a "strict contstructionist." (Again via Fox News)"
Washington Post: "President Bush must now name a replacement for Rehnquist, and the process of selecting and confirming a new justice will probably last past the first day of the court's new term, Oct. 3. That means that even if Roberts is swiftly confirmed, the court will be operating with only eight members for an indefinite period. Tie votes on the court result in the automatic affirmance of the lower court's ruling in the court, but do not establish a legal precedent.
Kim Gandy: "The passing of Chief Justice William Rehnquist creates a crisis unlike any in my 30-plus years in the women's movement. While we send condolences to Justice Rehnquist's family, this is a crisis for our movement and we must act now.
With two lifetime appointments, George W. Bush could not only upset the delicate balance on this Supreme Court, but also extend his right-wing ideology and disregard for individual rights to the third branch of government — the judiciary — thus guaranteeing second-class status for girls and women in the U.S. for decades. Senators must demand full disclosure of all of the writings and opinions of every nominee, and must commit to filibuster any nominee who does not clearly support our rights."
Ol' Cranky: "The man who takes responsibility for no mistakes, harbors treasonous thugs in his administration and callously strums his guitar as the nation gently wept for the victims of Hurricane Katrina will be able to ensure his legacy of callous disregard for human rights, lack of common decency, and embrace of scientific ignorance continues for generations to come."
Rehnquist Supreme Court Reproductive Rights Kim Gandy
