Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania) suggested on Sunday that President Bush elevate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor to the chief justice position should Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist decide to step down.

O'Connor announced her retirement on June 1. Rehnquist hasn't stated what he is doing but some expect him to leave the court.

That would present a perfect opportunity for O'Connor, Specter said on the CBS program "Face the Nation." He said O'Connor might be willing to stay "for a year or so" in the court's top seat.

As the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Specter will lead the confirmation hearings for O'Connor's replacement.

Get the Story:
Specter Speculates: O'Connor for Chief? (The Washington Post 7/11)
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Specter Offers a Suggestion for Chief Justice: O'Connor (The New York Times 7/11)
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For Liberals, High Stakes at High Court (The Washington Post 7/11)

Relevant Links:
NARF-NCAI Tribal Supreme Court Project - http://www.narf.org/sct/index.html

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