The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the first challenge to President Barack Obama's health care law Monday, an appeal from a former Republican state lawmaker from California.

The decision did not come as a surprise, as a federal appeals court has not yet ruled on the appeal. The U.S. Supreme Court rarely decides to review a case if it has not been considered in the lower courts.

The unanimous vote by all the justices in rejecting the appeal got the most buzz. Newest Justice Elena Kagan took part in rejecting the case, while Justice Clarence Thomas drew some criticism for his participation.
Some groups have called for Justice Thomas to avoid health care cases because of his wife's role as founder of Liberty Central, a conservative advocacy group, the Associated Press reports.

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