Prelude to a Political Freakout

Right now a struggle is taking place on a cellular level as radiation and cancer collide in an old man's lymph nodes. The implications of this conflict extend far beyond biology into politics, even history. But the outcome, at best, can only delay the inevitable. Sooner or later (or perhaps already, unknown to us), Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist will retire from the bench. And the passing from public life of this faithful civil servant will herald the beginning of a political and cultural battle royale.

Tower, Thomas, Ginsberg, Shaivo? Please. Those were chump change compared to what's in store, as fundamentalists and liberals claw at each other's eyes to protect their interests in the final venue for matters of law. Republicans go into this fight with firepower in two branches of government, but the Democrats can sway a handful of independents. Dems also have a knack for portraying everyone right of Elmo as horrifically mean and cruel - a trick which doesn't really wash with the public anymore, but does buy them time while congressional staffers frantically dumpster-dive for negative character evidence.

An article in the WSJ today describes a new front that may develop in this conflict. A rift has emerged between the pro-business (anti-liability) corporate conservatives and the Bible thumping conservatives over state versus federal authority. The anti-abortion crowd has historically sided with states, but the rise of aggressive attorneys general has businesses squealing for federal deliverance. This won't translate into flashy demonstrations on the Mall, but it may explain sudden shifting of senatorial position, as major campaign contributors exert pressure during the nomination process.

Those of you disposed towards prayer consider Justice Rehnquist, and his health, in these days before all hell breaks loose.