Ailing US judge told not to work

Rehnquist was named to the Supreme Court by President Nixon

US Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist said he was unable to return to work as early as he had hoped after throat surgery for thyroid cancer.

The 80-year-old judge - a conservative - initially said he would be back in his office on Monday 1 November, after undergoing surgery several days ago.

In a statement on Monday, he said he would continue to work from home.

Judge Rehnquist led the court panel that voted to end the 2000 election recount, leading to George Bush's win.

"I underwent a tracheotomy nine days ago and, at the suggestion of my doctors, am continuing to recuperate at home," he said in a statement.

"According to my doctors, my plan to return to the office today was too optimistic.

"I am continuing to take radiation and chemotherapy treatments on an outpatient basis."

Political appointment

He also said he would continue to work on court matters, including opinions for cases already argued, while at home.

Appointments to the Supreme Court are made by the president and are highly political.

The nine-member court is able to take final decisions on issues ranging from the result of a presidential election to a woman's right to have an abortion.

Correspondents say his illness could become a factor if there is any dispute over the outcome of the US presidential election, as in 2000.

Several of the serving justices are over 70, so whoever wins the poll on Tuesday could appoint up to four new Supreme Court judges during his time in office, the BBC's James Coomarasamy reported from Washington.

Judge Rehnquist was named to the Supreme Court by President Richard Nixon in 1972 and was elevated to chief justice in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan.