Word was barely on the street yesterday about Chief Justice Frank J. Williams’ resignation before speculation began about his possible successor.

The task of naming the next head of the state Supreme Court will fall to Governor Carcieri, a Republican, but not without the approval of the Democrat-dominated House and Senate.

Names circulating just hours after the announcement included U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente, a Republican appointee; former state Supreme Court Justice Robert G. Flanders, a Republican; and Superior Court Judge Robert D. Krause, not to mention the sitting Supreme Court justices themselves.

Justice William P. Robinson, the lone justice who could be reached last night, said he was surprised but not stunned by the news. He attributed Williams’ decision to “wear and tear” associated with his administrative tasks.

Asked if he would be interested in succeeding Williams, 68, as chief, Robinson said, “I wouldn’t say no,” but that the reality had yet to sink in.

Flanders, who stepped down from the high court four years ago, said he was shocked by Williams’ move. “He’s a young man. It’s a lifetime appointment,” he said.

Flanders said he is content with his position as a partner at Hinckley Allen & Snyder, as chairman of the state Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education, and his work teaching at Brown and Roger Williams universities. “That’s a full plate of responsibilities,” he said.

Flanders’ name has surfaced as a possible contender for the federal bench as well. Months before Republican Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee was defeated in the 2006 election, he announced that he would recommend Flanders for a federal appeals court judgeship. Flanders, however, could face a tough battle in Rhode Island, where he split with General Assembly leaders over the separation of powers issue.

Now, Carcieri must search for a replacement for Williams. Applicants may apply to the nine-member Judicial Nominating Commission, which then chooses semifinalists to interview. From that group, the commission will choose three to five finalists to send to the governor.

Carcieri then nominates one candidate, who must be approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The governor said he does not have a “short list” of potential candidates. And even if he did, he acknowledged he doesn’t have the power to make the appointment alone.

Rhode Island Bar Association President Richard Pacia said he hopes state lawmakers act quickly when they return next session.

“This is not a position we want unfilled,” Pacia said. “The bench has a lot to do.”

Maureen McKenna Goldberg will serve as acting chief justice until Williams’ replacement is picked.

kmulvane@projo.com