Chief Justice Scalia

Bush had for a long time considered raising Scalia to Chief. However, as of late November 2004, Bush had been zeroing in on Thomas. Bush's advisors say its irrelevant because the seat is not vacant. Nonetheless, they are surely hard at work considering a replacement - On Sunday, the new Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid signaled his intentions to influence that decision as best he can - so now is the president going to go with Scalia? People I trust - and my long time guess has been - it is a lock for Scalia - not even a question. I was very surprised to learn many conservatives didn't share my sentiment. Now, they may begin to change their minds.
Wild Card? Yes. Bush could actually appoint a new justice and elevate that person to Chief - not that unlikely - Historically speaking it is actually more common! (For those who think Bush will go with a more moderate justice as chief - forget it - chatter says he's not even considering it - whether Dems like it or not Bush has political capital right now and he's itching to spend it)