WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts suffered a seizure and was taken to the hospital on Monday.

"He was taken by ambulance to Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport, Maine, where he underwent a thorough neurological evaluation, which revealed no cause for concern," Supreme court spokeswoman Kathy said.

Upon learning that Roberts was still groggy, Attorney General Albert Gonzales and White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten rushed to the hospital, bringing with them papers for the Chief Justice to sign. An eyewitness in the room with Roberts described what happened next: "The door opened and in walked Mr. Gonzales, carrying an envelope, and Mr. Bolten. They came over and stood by the bed. They greeted the Chief Justice very briefly. And then Mr. Gonzales began to discuss why they were there — to seek his approval of the Unitary Executive and the dismissal of Congress."

Roberts was unresponsive and when Gonzales continued pressuring him, the ailing Chief Justice lifted his head off the pillow and said "Stare decisis". Seeing that no further discussion was possible, Gonzales and Bolten then left the hospital room.