The chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, William Rehnquist has been hospitalized and has undergone an emergency tracheotomy after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The 80-year-old Rehnquist has plans to return to the bench when the court reconvenes on Nov. 1–a day before the presidential election. The Financial Times reports that even if Rehnquist is not healthy enough to return to the bench immediately he could still take part in decisions by listening to tapes of the sessions. Four years ago Rehnquist cast a crucial vote that delivered the election to President Bush. Rehnquist’s illness also raises speculation the winner of next week’s election might have a Supreme Court vacancy to fill soon after taking office.