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Press Releases

Miers Nomination Warrents Intense Scrutiny
Posted Oct 02 2005
Press Releases >>

White House Counsel Harriet Miers' nomination to the Supreme Court by President Bush should be examined with the closest scrutiny. The Senate must demand transparency in the collection of background materials and should insist on straightforward answers by the nominee.

Miers is President Bush's personal lawyer and is a long-time friend - not sufficient qualification for a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court. Absent the apparent background for the highest court in the land, it is incumbent upon both the White House and Ms. Miers to prove she has the capacity for such an elevated post. Ms. Miers must outline judicial philosophy through a complete disclosure of her work and opinions. She must provide direct answers to questions seeking to clarify her positions on fundamental rights, liberties and legal protections.

"The lack of judicial experience coupled with close personal and professional ties to President Bush cast a shadow over the nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court," said Amy F. Isaacs, National Director of ADA. "This nomination should be rejected if a clear representation of Ms. Miers qualifications and philosophy is not forthcoming. One such question should be what her advice to the White House was when it became apparent that Karl Rove and 'Scooter' Libby had leaked classified information about a CIA operative."