Chief Justice William Rehnquist was discharged from the hospital Thursday afternoon after a two night stay. Rehnquist had arrived at the Virginia hospital via ambulance. He was treated for a high fever, given tests and kept under observation.
The 80-year-old Rehnquist is stricken with thyroid cancer. There has been a lot of speculation that he may retire for health reasons. That would allow President Bush to appoint two new justices to the high court in wake of the recent retirement by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Rehnquist has refused to answer questions about his possible retirement. In fact, a week ago, he responded, 'That's for me to know and you to find out' when asked about possible retirement by a reporter.
The Supreme Court has also released very little information about Rehnquist's medical condition. It is not clear what type of thyroid cancer he has and whether or not the cancer has spread to any other part of his body.
