We Need a New Chief

As if he needed more distractions in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, President Bush must now find a replacement for Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who passed away Saturday night at his home in Virginia.

Naturally, leftist lunatics wouldn't like it (leading most Democratic Senators to also howl) so it stands to reason Justice Antonin Scalia would make an outstanding choice as Chief. That's also my personal preference -- and then Mr. Bush could fill Scalia's seat with someone like Edith Jones or Edith Brown Clement or Michael Luttig.

We'll see how this plays out. As it stands, I'd think someone needs to be appointed Chief (and approved) before the October session begins.

UPDATE: Monday morning, President Bush announced he was shifting the nomination of Judge John Roberts from the Sandra Day O'Connor vacancy to the vacancy of the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist, as the new Chief. Good move. If he's confirmed before October 3rd, we'll have a full complement of Justices to begin the "Roberts Court" (O'Connor will stay on until her replacement is confirmed).