Thoughts on the Chief Justice vacancy

Here is an excellent commentary that reflected some thoughts I (queen_spoo, the Macadamia Nut) had when I heard that Chief Justice Rehnquist had died. Although not traditional or usual, I would have promoted one of the Associate Justices, and then filled the two remaining Associate positions. In my opinion, Antonin Scalia would have been an excellent Chief Justice, and then someone else could have been nominated for his position, while keeping John Roberts' nomination in place for O'Connor's seat. I suppose time will tell who will comprise the new court and determine what its leanings are.