New U.S. Supreme Court nominee Harriet E. Miers is being described as a loyal and hardworking member of President Bush's inner circle but questions about her selection are being raised by some Republicans and conservatives. Miers, 60, has never been a judge and has no discernible views on any issue, save for an effort to roll back the American Bar Association's support for abortion rights. She served in public office for a short period in Texas but has stayed largely behind the scenes [White House Bio]. Her one notable position was serving as chairwoman of the Texas State Lottery during Bush's years as governor of Texas. He reviews from her five years there are mixed, The New York Times reports. "Harriet made a mess of things," said a Democrat. When he was governor, Bush supported efforts to shut down the Tigua Tribe's casino. Some Democrats, including Senate minority leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada), welcomed the selection of Miers but some conservatives said Bush missed an opportunity to reshape the court. Some conservatives are worried that Miers, in 1988, contributed to Democrat Al Gore's presidential campaign and to former Democrat senator Lloyd Bentsen. If confirmed, Miers would replace the retiring Sandra Day O'Connor. Miers would be the third woman nominated to the court and would join Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the only other woman sitting on the court once O'Connor leaves. Get the Story:
A Deep Dedication to the President, and to Her Work (The Washington Post 10/4)
Miers Known as a Hard-Working Advocate for the President (The New York Times 10/4)
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Mixed Review of Bush Pick in Oversight of Gambling (The New York Times 10/4)
onservatives Are Wary Over President's Selection (The New York Times 10/4)
Some Liberals and Conservatives Find Themselves in Awkward Spots (The New York Times 10/4)
Miers Was Leader in Effort Within Bar to Rescind Support for Abortion (The New York Times 10/4) Related Stories:
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