Cyrus Ramsey
10-27-2005, 11:26 AM
http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/27/miers.nominations/index.html
Miers withdraws Supreme Court nomination
Bush: Decision confirms 'my deep respect and admiration'
Thursday, October 27, 2005; Posted: 10:09 a.m. EDT (14:09 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush on Thursday accepted the withdrawal of Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers, according to a statement from the White House.
In her letter to the president, Miers said she was "concerned that the confirmation process presents a burden for the White House and its staff and it is not in the best interest of the country."
The White House said Miers had to withdraw over concerns that senators wanted documents of privileged discussions between the president and his top lawyer. (Watch video: Withdrawal accepted -- 1:38)
"It is clear that senators would not be satisfied until they gained access to internal documents concerning advice provided during her tenure at the White House -- disclosures that would undermine a president's ability to receive candid counsel," Bush said. (Full statement)(Miers letter)
But Democratic and Republican senators told CNN's Ed Henry that they hadn't asked for privileged documents.
Bush vowed to fill the vacancy "in a timely manner."
"Harriet Miers' decision demonstrates her deep respect for this essential aspect of the constitutional separation of powers -- and confirms my deep respect and admiration for her," Bush added.
Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, who said he had recommended that Bush nominate Miers, blamed "the radical right wing of the Republican Party" for killing her nomination.
"Apparently, Ms. Miers did not satisfy those who want to pack the Supreme Court with rigid ideologues," the Nevada Democrat said.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said he respected Miers' decision and looked forward to working with the president to help quickly pick a new nominee.
"We remain ready to fulfill our duty to provide advice and consent on judicial nominees," the Tennessee Republican said. "And the Supreme Court still awaits its next justice -- a highly qualified nominee who is committed to upholding the Constitution and who believes in the limited role of a judge to interpret the law and not legislate from the bench."
Miers, 60, was nominated on October 3 by Bush to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who was often a moderate swing vote, on the high court. (Profile)
O'Connor will stay on the court until he replacement is confirmed by the Senate.
Bush's decision to nominate Miers, White House counsel and a longtime adviser, had divided his supporters, many of whom wanted a nominee with a clear record of opposition to abortion.
Miers' nomination stirred up controversy because of her lack of judicial experience and questions about her knowledge of constitutional law.
Days after her nomination, Bush defended Miers against Democratic charges of cronyism and questions about her conservative record, saying she shares his legal philosophy.
"I picked the best person I could find," Bush said. "People are going to be amazed at her strength of character and her intellect."
Senators had hoped to begin confirmation hearings the week of November 7.
CNN's Dana Bash and Ed Henry contributed to this report.
Miers withdraws Supreme Court nomination
Bush: Decision confirms 'my deep respect and admiration'
Thursday, October 27, 2005; Posted: 10:09 a.m. EDT (14:09 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush on Thursday accepted the withdrawal of Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers, according to a statement from the White House.
In her letter to the president, Miers said she was "concerned that the confirmation process presents a burden for the White House and its staff and it is not in the best interest of the country."
The White House said Miers had to withdraw over concerns that senators wanted documents of privileged discussions between the president and his top lawyer. (Watch video: Withdrawal accepted -- 1:38)
"It is clear that senators would not be satisfied until they gained access to internal documents concerning advice provided during her tenure at the White House -- disclosures that would undermine a president's ability to receive candid counsel," Bush said. (Full statement)(Miers letter)
But Democratic and Republican senators told CNN's Ed Henry that they hadn't asked for privileged documents.
Bush vowed to fill the vacancy "in a timely manner."
"Harriet Miers' decision demonstrates her deep respect for this essential aspect of the constitutional separation of powers -- and confirms my deep respect and admiration for her," Bush added.
Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, who said he had recommended that Bush nominate Miers, blamed "the radical right wing of the Republican Party" for killing her nomination.
"Apparently, Ms. Miers did not satisfy those who want to pack the Supreme Court with rigid ideologues," the Nevada Democrat said.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said he respected Miers' decision and looked forward to working with the president to help quickly pick a new nominee.
"We remain ready to fulfill our duty to provide advice and consent on judicial nominees," the Tennessee Republican said. "And the Supreme Court still awaits its next justice -- a highly qualified nominee who is committed to upholding the Constitution and who believes in the limited role of a judge to interpret the law and not legislate from the bench."
Miers, 60, was nominated on October 3 by Bush to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who was often a moderate swing vote, on the high court. (Profile)
O'Connor will stay on the court until he replacement is confirmed by the Senate.
Bush's decision to nominate Miers, White House counsel and a longtime adviser, had divided his supporters, many of whom wanted a nominee with a clear record of opposition to abortion.
Miers' nomination stirred up controversy because of her lack of judicial experience and questions about her knowledge of constitutional law.
Days after her nomination, Bush defended Miers against Democratic charges of cronyism and questions about her conservative record, saying she shares his legal philosophy.
"I picked the best person I could find," Bush said. "People are going to be amazed at her strength of character and her intellect."
Senators had hoped to begin confirmation hearings the week of November 7.
CNN's Dana Bash and Ed Henry contributed to this report.