Supreme Court Opening Possible

(CBS)  White House officials believe at least one member of the Supreme Court will step down by the end of the current term in early summer, the New York Times reports.

White House counsel Alberto Gonzales, a longtime friend of President Bush, is being mentioned as a possible high court nominee. Gonzales would be the first Hispanic to sit on the Supreme Court. Such an appointment would boost Mr. Bush's ongoing effort to court Latino voters.

Another key figure is said to be J. Harvie Wilkinson -- the chief judge of the appeals court based in Richmond, Virginia.

The Times reported that White House officials believe Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, both Republicans, are most likely to leave the high court.

Speculation about a possible vacancy has focused on Rehnquist, the longest-serving member of the court. With the GOP winning control of the Senate, the president should have an easier time getting a nominee approved.

Rehnquist, 78, has not publicly discussed his plans. Traditionally, justices announce retirements in late spring or summer, before the court goes on a summer break.