Source: Rehnquist to Step Down Soon, McConnell to Replace
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This seems very plausible. Everyone has sort of assumed that Scalia would be picked to be Chief Justice after Rehnquist steps down. There would be a huge confirmation fight even though Scalia was originally confirmed 98-0. It's actually fairly common to appoint someone from the outside directly to the chief position, as opposed to promoting from within. I think McConnell would be a great chief. I would get great pleasure from Scalia as chief, but I can live without it.
This seems very plausible. Everyone has sort of assumed that Scalia would be picked to be Chief Justice after Rehnquist steps down. There would be a huge confirmation fight even though Scalia was originally confirmed 98-0. It's actually fairly common to appoint someone from the outside directly to the chief position, as opposed to promoting from within. I think McConnell would be a great chief. I would get great pleasure from Scalia as chief, but I can live without it.
