Rehnquist's return to job faces hurdle

Nation's chief justice is receiving cancer treatment

By LINDA GREENHOUSE AND KATHARINE Q. SEELYE

THE NEW YORK TIMES

WASHINGTON -- Chief Justice William Rehnquist disclosed yesterday that his thyroid cancer was being treated with both chemotherapy and radiation, and he did not return to work despite his previously announced plan to do so.

A carefully worded statement released by his office shortly before the other eight justices began hearing arguments gave no indication when, or whether, the 80-year-old chief justice might return to the bench.

That silence invited immediate speculation that he would soon retire.

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