William H. Rehnquist was tapped to be chief justice 19 years ago Friday, and while conventional wisdom says his combination of age and cancer won't allow him to stay around for a 20th, some court watchers are not so sure.
They point out that he looks better than he had been, is keeping a regular schedule and, maybe most important of all, still loves his work. All that adds up to the possibility - still slim - that he'll confound everyone and stay put, perhaps for another full term.
-snip-But with Rehnquist back working full-time at the court and even making social engagements, some are scaling back their predictions. Several people with close ties to Rehnquist and other justices say privately that they aren't sure what he'll do.
"I'm not holding my breath anymore," said David Garrow, an Emory University law professor and Supreme Court historian. "I don't think we're going to have an announcement this term."
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