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Washington in brief
Key cases, big question await Supreme Court
By wire services
Published May 11, 2005
WASHINGTON - Anticipated decisions on medical marijuana, Ten Commandments displays and Internet sharing of movies and music are still to come in the final weeks of the Supreme Court term.
And there's perhaps the biggest story of all - whether the court gets its first opening in a decade.
Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, 80, has been the focus of retirement speculation since he announced in October that he had thyroid cancer.
Rehnquist has been working and has given no indication of his plans, though most court watchers believe he will step down. His departure likely would lead to a political fight over a successor who could reshape a court divided 5-4 on the death penalty, affirmative action and gay rights.
One of the most closely watched upcoming questions for the court involves whether states can shield medical marijuana users from federal prosecution.
Another emotional issue involves Ten Commandments displays. Justices will rule in a pair of cases asking whether such displays on government property violate the Constitution's ban on "establishment" of religion.
Bolton picks up support on Senate panel
WASHINGTON - One of the Republicans who has been wavering on the nomination of John R. Bolton to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said Tuesday he will support the embattled nominee.
Rhode Island Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee's decision gives momentum to Bolton ahead of a Senate Foreign Relations Committee vote Thursday. Chafee said he decided to support Bolton because he is President Bush's choice.
"I won't deny a lot of the information certainly brings great pause, but I fight the administration on so many issues; this is one of those that I've been with them on - to appoint their team," Chafee said.
Weeks of inquiry into Bolton's conduct in office also left three other GOP members of the committee leaning toward supporting Bolton or at least unwilling to write him off.
[Last modified May 11, 2005, 00:47:09]
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