By Lisa Chmelecki,Special to the Sun Journal

Maine’s two U.S. senators offered praise Sunday for the late Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, calling him a devoted public servant whose legacy will affect generations to come.

“Chief Justice Rehnquist will be remembered not only as one of the most influential chief justices in our nation’s history, but as an honorable and distinguished American,” Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, said in a prepared statement.

Rehnquist, who suffered from thyroid cancer, died Saturday evening at his home. He was 80.

Elevated to chief justice in 1986, Rehnquist served on the Supreme Court for 33 years.

“I am saddened by the passing of Chief Justice Rehnquist,” said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. “He will be remembered as an extremely devoted public servant who served our nation’s high court with dignity and respect up until the last days of his life.”

Rehnquist had become increasingly frail after his diagnosis of thyroid cancer last October, but his office had refused to characterize the seriousness of his illness.

The chief justice continued to work until a couple of days before his death.

Maine Superior Court Justice Carl Bradford was surprised when he heard the news.

“I didn’t think he’d go as quickly as he did,” Bradford said.

Rehnquist’s death, which comes two months after Justice Sandra Day O’Connor announced her retirement, creates a second opening on the court. Several names have been mentioned as possible replacements.

For Bradford, the biggest question is who will take over as chief justice.

The president could elevate one of the court’s conservatives, such as Antonin Scalia or Clarence Thomas, or appoint someone new.

Calling Rehnquist a dedicated public servant, Maine Superior Court Justice S. Kirk Studstrup said, “I wish the president the best of luck in picking his successor.”

Copy the Story Link