Miers withdraws as nominee for U.S Supreme Court

CBC || October 28, 2005

Controversial U.S. Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers has withdrawn her nomination after weeks of criticism over her qualifications for the role.

Miers said in a statement her nomination "would create a burden for the White House and our staff that is not in the best interest of the country."

President George W. Bush has "reluctantly" accepted her letter of withdrawal, White House officials said.

Miers, who most recently served as Bush's White House counsel, was nominated less than a month ago to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Article Posted at www.KnowledgeDrivenRevolution.com

But she has been widely criticized since her nomination, notably by some conservatives who said she lacked the necessary legal credentials and a record of conservative judicial philosophy on issues such as abortion and affirmative action.

Others accused Bush of cronyism.

Bush blamed her withdrawal on Senate pressure on the White House to release internal documents concerning Miers.

"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.

Miers also noted efforts by the Senate to retrieve White House records.

"I have been informed repeatedly that in lieu of records, I would be expected to testify about my service in the White House to demonstrate my experience and judicial philosophy," she said in the statement.

"While I believe that my lengthy career provides sufficient evidence for consideration of my nomination, I am convinced the efforts to obtain executive branch materials and information will continue."

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