"The resignation of Justice O'Connor comes at a pivotal time for our courts," says ADA National Director Amy Isaacs. Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) is the nation's leading independent liberal political organization, dedicated to individual liberty and building economic and social justice at home and abroad. "The delicate balance of the current court, Justice O'Connor's often critical swing vote, and the Bush Administration's penchant for nominating right-wing ideologues makes this vacancy most troubling," said Isaacs.

ADA also finds it troubling that President Bush has said his model for Supreme Court nominees would be Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, the Court's most extreme-right justices.

Director Isaacs pledged that ADA will continue its long history of fighting for a fair and balanced judiciary at all levels to ensure the protection of civil rights, consumer rights, and workers' rights. "We urge President Bush to embrace consensus," added Isaacs.