[conservatism_IS_compassion]

What happens if Rehnquist announces his retirement soon? The democrats will find themselves in a politically untenable position if they drag their feet, IMHO.

Actually, having O'Connor retire puts Democrats in a bind; rulings that would have gone their way 5-4 will tend to be stalemated 4-4 - leaving the ruling of the lower court standing but not setting a precedent.

Whenever Rehnquist retires it will put Republicans in a bind.

[MamaLucci]

My point was with respect to the democrat's continued obstruction......if there were two vacancies, that would make their already untenable position even more politically dangerous, IMHO.