Article: White House winnows Supreme Court list: Many people expect Rehnquist to step down by the end of June

WASHINGTON - The White House has laid the groundwork to place more conservatives on the Supreme Court, scrutinizing the backgrounds and legal views of a shrinking list of candidates amid speculation that ailing Chief Justice William Rehnquist soon will step down.

Keenly aware that a chapter of President Bush's legacy is at stake, conservative and liberal advocacy groups are preparing for what both sides believe will be a bruising confirmation fight.

Court experts expect that Rehnquist, who is battling thyroid cancer, will leave by the end of June when the current court session concludes.

"The vacancy could come anytime after this Memorial Day weekend, we think," said Sean Rushton, director ...

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