William Rehnquist, chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, will not be on the bench on Monday when the court returns from its holiday recess. Rehnquist is still recovering from treatment for thyroid cancer which was started late last year. The treatment included radiation therapy and a tracheotomy. Rehnquist has missed hearing arugments in more than 20 cases in the present term due to his ongoing treatment for cancer.

The 80-year-old chief justice has now served 33 years on the Supreme Court since being appointed by Richard M. Nixon in 1972. Because of his ongoing health problems, analysts question whether or not Rehnquist will be able to continue serving as chief justice or if President Bush will have to make his first appointment to the Supreme Court during his term.

The appointment of a new justice is key to the Bush Administration and its right wing supporters on key issues such as gay marriage, affirmative action and abortion. Abortion rights have survived by narrow 5-4 votes over the past few years and one or two appointments by President Bush would almost guarantee a significant change in the court's decisions.

Despite his illness, Rehnquist remains hopeful that he can administer the oath of office to President Bush on January 20th, the date of his second inauguration.