Chief Justice Rehnquist Taken to Hospital

CNN Breaking News: “Chief Justice William Rehnquist taken to hospital for observation after complaining of a fever, a spokeswoman says. Details soon.”

AP updates: Rehnquist Hospitalized for Fever in Va.

Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, ailing with cancer, is in the hospital with a fever, a spokeswoman said Wednesday. Rehnquist was taken by ambulance to an Arlington, Va., hospital Tuesday night and was admitted for observation and tests, Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said. There was no immediate word on his condition Wednesday afternoon.

Rehnquist, 80 and ill with thyroid cancer, has been the subject of intense speculation about whether he will retire. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, 75, announced earlier this month that she will be leaving.

The chief justice had been coming to the court daily but did not show up as usual Wednesday morning. Court officials initially declined to say why he was absent or explain unusual happenings at Rehnquist’s Arlington home. Members of the media near the residence saw a court police officer make several trips to the house, leaving each time with various personal items. First the officer carried out Rehnquist’s distinctive cane and a shirt. Later, he brought out other clothing. At about 2:30 p.m., Arberg issued a two-sentence statement saying Rehnquist was hospitalized for a fever and undergoing tests.

It was the second time in less than four months that Rehnquist was taken by ambulance to the hospital. In March, he was brought in with breathing problems. He did not stay overnight then.

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