Faced with a growing political crisis over the catastrophe in New Orleans, as well as the need to confirm John Roberts as the next Supreme Court Justice, George Bush has made the unprecedented suggestion that the late William Rehnquist continue in his current position.

“Frankly, I’m completely maxed out,” Bush told reporters earlier today.  “I’ve got all this stuff to deal with.  And now I have to push another nominee through the confirmation process?  Forget it.  Let’s just keep Rehnquist.”

Bush explained, “My supporters expect me to put in a Justice with a conservative ideology--just like Rehnquist.  So why not keep the original around?”

Surprisingly, democratic leaders were open to the suggestion.

“The President will just nominate another Rehnquist clone anyway,” said Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.  “We might as well keep the original.  Saves time for everyone.  Better the devil you know, y’know?”

Bush did appear confused, however, when asked if he was ready for an onslaught of inevitable Weekend at Bernie’s jokes. “Who is Bernie?  Everyone knows I vacation at Camp David,” he snapped.  “And yes, I’ve heard all the jokes.  But the fact of the matter is, being President is tough.  I need a lot of vacation so I can clear brush and fish.  When other people try being President for a while, then they can complain.”

It was thought that the President’s plan wouldn’t work, since being Supreme Court Justice is only supposed to be a lifetime appointment.  However, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters that this had already been dealt with.

“An earlier version of the Patriot Act removed the ‘lifetime appointment’ language.  It’s now completely legal for Justice Rehnquist to continue on the court long into death.  It’s just one of those little changes we made that no one really notices until it actually comes up.”