Gonzales: Miers Qualified for Supreme Court, Strict Constructionist

National   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Oct 12, 2005   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Gonzales: Miers Qualified for Supreme Court, Strict Constructionist Email this article
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
October 12, 2005

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Attorney General Alberto Gonzales went to bat for Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers on Wednesday on national television shows and said Miers brings "a unique brand of experience” to the nation’s high court. Gonzales also confirmed that some people Bush was considering for the post asked to have their names withdrawn from consideration.

President Bush "has a wonderful track record” on judicial picks, Gonzales said and he added that Miers is "consistent with that model" of strict constructionist judges that Bush prefers.

"She is a person who believes in judicial restraint, understands the proper role of a judge,” Gonzales told ABC’s "Good Morning America" program. "She is uniquely qualified. She will bring a diversity of experience.”

Gonzales said he agrees with the president that Miers will be confirmed and he predicated criticism will subside once people have an opportunity to hear her during the Senate confirmation hearings.

Gonzales also told the ABC show that President Bush didn’t ask Miers about her views on the Roe v. Wade abortion case prior to nominating her for the top court position.

"There is no litmus test at the White House,” Gonzales said.

Meanwhile, White House spokesman Scott McClellan acknowledged that some of the people on President Bush’s list of possible Supreme Court picks asked to have their names withdrawn. He cited the intense scrutiny and political battles nominees must endure.

"Washington scares people away? Is that new?” McClellan asked. "There are plenty of good people willing to be considered. The president found the best person.”