Filling Rehnquist's shoes

Bristol (Va.) Herald-Courier: With 33 years on the nation's highest court, William H. Rehnquist leaves a lasting legacy.
The late chief justice was a solid conservative, but not a right-wing ideologue. He was, by all accounts, an even-tempered, personable man -- liked even by colleagues who did not share his political philosophy. That's high praise at a time when national politics is marked by an increasingly bitter partisan divide.
Bush has nominated John Roberts to succeed Rehnquist. If he is confirmed, Roberts should learn from Rehnquist's legacy -- to chart a measured, conservative course, rather than making a sharp turn to the right; to continue to respect legal precedent and the court's history; and to serve as a competent, skilled administrator.
Rehnquist's shoes will be hard to fill. Roberts must show the nation that he is the right man for the job.