Inside Washington

Is Rehnquist Getting Itchy?

Retiring Senate majority leader George Mitchell, who last week turned down a nomination to the Supreme Court, may get a second chance to join the court -- as Chief Justice. Current Chief Justice William Rehnquist, a widower, recently started dating a woman who lives on the West Coast. Sources say he appears to be developing a greater interest in his private life at the same time that he's tiring of the court's legal grind. If Rehnquist decides to resign during Clinton's presidency, Mitchell would probably be the leading candidate for the post.