The Witch Is Dead!...As In Supreme Court Career.

      

 

BREAKING NEWS
Miers Withdraws Supreme Court Nomination  In her withdrawal letter to President Bush, White House counsel Harriet Miers cited concerns over senators' requests for White House documents as part of the confirmation process.

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Harriet Miers Withdraws Nomination

By Fred Barbash

Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, October 27, 2005; 9:27 AM

Harriet Miers withdrew this morning as a nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court.

In announcing the decision, Miers and President Bush cited their concern with the requests of members of the Senate Judiciary Committee for documents dealing with her work as White House Counsel that the administration has chosen to withhold as privileged.

But the Miers nomination to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was in deep trouble, with little support in the Senate, open criticism from many Senators of both parties, and an outpouring of opposition from conservative activists and intellectuals.

Miers told the president in a letter of withdrawal that she was "concerned that the confirmation process presents a burden for the White House and our staff that is not in the best interests of the country."

Bush responded that he was "reluctantly" accepting the decision.

"I nominated Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court because of her extraordinary legal experience, her character, and her conservative judicial philosophy," he said in a statement. But, he said, "I understand and share her concern . . . about the current state of the Supreme Court confirmation process.

"It is clear that Senators would not be satisfied until they gained access tointernal documents concerning advice provided during her tenure at the White House -- disclosures that would undermine a President's ability to receive candid counsel.

"Harriet Miers' decision," Bush said, "demonstrates her deep respect for this essential aspect of the Constitutional separation of powers -- and confirms my deep respect and admiration for her.

"I am grateful for Harriet Miers' friendship and devotion to our country.

"And I am honored that she will continue to serve our Nation as White House Counsel," he said. My responsibility to fill this vacancy remains. I will do so in a timely manner."

Given the Bush Administration, it wouldn't in the least bit surprise me that while she's withdrawn her nomination, she will decide cases for whomever is nominated in her place.