Harriet Miers Supreme Court nomination

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Harriet E. Miers
Harriet E. Miers

On October 3, 2005, Harriet Miers (born August 10, 1945) was nominated for Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by President George W. Bush, to replace retiring Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Miers was, at the time, White House Counsel, and had previously served in several roles both during Bush's tenure as Governor of Texas and President.

The nomination almost immediately ignited a firestorm of criticism, virtually all of it from within the President's own party: David Frum castigated an "unforced error"[5], and Robert Bork denounced it a "disaster" and "a slap in the face to the conservatives who’ve been building up a conservative legal movement for the last 20 years."[6] Hearings before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee had been scheduled to begin on November 7, and members of the Republican leadership had stated before the nomination that they aimed to have the nominee confirmed before Thanksgiving (November 24). It was announced that Miers had withdrawn her nomination on October 27, 2005.

Contents

[edit] Overview of the selection process

Bush with Miers during the announcement of her nomination
Bush with Miers during the announcement of her nomination

On July 1, 2005, Sandra Day O'Connor announced her plan to retire as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, effective as of the date that her replacement was confirmed by the United States Senate. Bush appointed Miers as head of the search committee for candidates to replace O'Connor. On July 19, Bush announced that he had chosen John G. Roberts, Jr. as O'Connor's replacement. After William Rehnquist died of complications from thyroid cancer on September 3, Bush withdrew this nomination and renominated Roberts for Chief Justice, to which he was confirmed.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (Democrat-Nevada), recommended Miers as O'Connor's successor.[1][2][3] Bush agreed with Reid's suggestion, factoring comments by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania) and ranking Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) that Bush's nominees should be outside of the appellate court system.[4] First Lady Laura Bush and Senator Hillary Clinton had also both publicly expressed hope that he would nominate a woman [7].

On September 29, the internet domain justicemiers.com was registered by Progress for America, a non-profit organization closely associated with the Bush administration.[citation needed]

On October 3, Bush nominated Miers to succeed O'Connor.

See also: Bush Supreme Court candidates

[edit] Miers' background in brief

Main article: Harriet Miers

[edit] Education

Miers attended Southern Methodist University, where she received a bachelor's degree in mathematics (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree (1970).

[edit] Professional experience

Miers had clerked for the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, but had never served as a judge. She had neither taught nor written to any substantial extent on law. In private practice, as a corporate litigator, Miers had courtroom experience, but a scant and undistinguished track record of litigating in federal court (almost none litigating constitutional issues), and had never argued a case before the Supreme Court.

Worth noting, however, is that 41 of the 110 Supreme Court Justices appointed had never served as a judge prior to their nomination,[8] a defense of Miers' lack of credentials the White House quickly advanced. Some examples during the 20th century include Louis Brandeis (appointed 1916), Felix Frankfurter (1939), William O. Douglas (1939), Robert Jackson (1941), Earl Warren (1953), Abe Fortas (1965), Lewis Powell (1972), and William Rehnquist (1972). The White House's attempt to use this to placate opposition at best had no valence, and at worst, backfired: offering the comparison to Fortas or particularly Warren further inflamed opposition among conservatives, who do not look upon either as a great exemplar of the kind of Supreme Court justice desired. The White House also argued that 10 of the 34 Justices appointed since 1933 were appointed from positions within the President's administration (as was the case with Miers.) These Justices include the aforementioned Powell, Warren, Frankfurter, and Douglas, as well as Arthur Goldberg and Tom C. Clark.[citation needed]

Senate minority leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada), who had previously floated Miers as an example of an acceptable nominee (further inflaming conservative hostility),[5] issued a statement:

In my view, the Supreme Court would benefit from the addition of a justice who has real experience as a practicing lawyer. The current justices have all been chosen from the lower federal courts. A nominee with relevant non-judicial experience would bring a different and useful perspective to the Court. [9]

[edit] Nomination issues

Because little was known about Miers' position on divisive issues, and because she had no prior experience as a judge, her nomination was subject to debate on both sides. Many critics were concerned that her inner-circle relationship with the president and his staff could lead to conflicts of interests in court cases. Republican Senator Sam Brownback stated on Good Morning America "There's precious little to go on and a deep concern that this would be a Souter-type candidate."[6]

[edit] Positions on issues that might have come before the court

[edit] Abortion

The subject of Roe v. Wade, among other abortion-related Supreme Court precedents, is highly topical in this most recent nomination. This is in part because O'Connor had voted to overturn a number of state restrictions on abortion, often in narrowly divided 5-4 decisions.

As the confirmation process proceeded, more became known about Miers' personal and judicial views on abortion. In 1989, when Miers was running for the Dallas City Council, she allegedly filled out a survey for the anti-abortion group Texas United for Life.[7] The questionnaire sought to gauge candidates' feelings on the use of constitutional amendments or state laws to ban abortions in the event the Supreme Court overturned a 1973 ruling that established abortion rights. The questionnaire asked "If Congress passes a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution that would prohibit abortion except when it was necessary to prevent the death of the mother, would you actively support its ratification by the Texas Legislature." Miers answered "yes" to this question and all others listed.

Miers said in 1992 that she felt Supreme Court nominees should not be asked about how they would rule on abortion issues [10]. In 1993, when the American Bar Association (ABA) opted to take a stance in favor of abortion rights, Miers fought to have the full membership of the ABA vote on the topic: "If we were going to take a position on this divisive issue, the members should have been able to vote."

Many implied that since Miers is an Evangelical Christian (see biography), her own personal beliefs are likely to be pro-life. Bush himself implied that her religion was part of why he nominated her. However, it is not clear what impact, if any, her personal views would have had on her judicial rulings. The religious beliefs of nominees on abortion and other controversial social issues have been a significant part of confirmation hearings for nominees thought to have traditional religious beliefs. Some civil rights activists (notably the Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights, Notre Dame law professor Charles Rice in the National Review, the civil rights group the Center for Jewish Values and the convervative Catholic group Fidelis)[8] consider such interrogation by senators to be a violation of the constitutional prohibition of any religious tests for federal office.

Brownback, a member of the Judiciary Committee, said there was a "good chance" he would vote against Miers if she testified that Roe v. Wade was "settled law" ."[9]

[edit] Affirmative action

As President of the Texas State Bar, Miers supported affirmative action, going so far as to continue a quota system for women and ethnic minorities practicing law in the state.[10] Bob Dunn, the outgoing president of the organization, described Miers as "certainly one of the leaders" in supporting the quota system.

[edit] The right to bear arms

Miers included the "right to bear arms" in a list of "precious liberties" contained in a commentary she authored in 1992. - Texas Lawyer; July 27, 1992; pp. 10

[edit] Gay rights

Although Miers did not make her position clear on gay rights, she hinted at her views in answering a questionnaire submitted to her by a Texas gay rights group during her 1989 campaign for a Dallas City Council position. Miers indicated on the questionnaire that she supported civil rights for homosexuals, but opposed the repeal of the sodomy laws that were ultimately overturned by a 6-3 decision (with Justice O'Connor in the majority) in Lawrence v. Texas.

[edit] Balance of powers

As President of the Texas State Bar, Miers fought legislation that would curtail the power of the Texas Supreme Court to limit attorneys fees in tort lawsuits. Some commentators have asked whether this portends a lack of respect for the proper role of the courts. For example, conservative activist Mark Levin responded to this information by saying, "[i]f there is a bias toward judicial supremacy, it's best that we know this now, in advance of a confirmation vote."[11] Miers' rationale for withdrawing her nomination—that she feared the Senate's demand for information about her White House work would force a breach of Executive Branch secrecy—may indicate that she supported expansive presidential powers.[11]

[edit] Other potential controversies: the Texas Lottery Commission

From 1995 to 2000, Miers chaired the Texas Lottery Commission (having been appointed by Bush when he was Governor of Texas).

In 1997, the Commission hired Lawrence Littwin as the lottery's executive director; five months later, he was fired. Littwin brought suit over his firing, alleging that the lottery contractor, GTech Corporation, had influenced the Commission to fire him for improper reasons. GTech settled the case by paying him $300,000, with Littwin agreeing not to discuss the case or the settlement. [12] Upon Miers' nomination to the Court, GTech, at the request of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released Littwin from the confidentiality provision. Conservative columnist Jerome Corsi has called Littwin's testimony "potentially explosive" because it could have implicated Miers in an attempt to cover up the George W. Bush military service controversy. [13]

[edit] Reactions to her nomination

Miers' nomination drew criticism from both political parties. Principal complaints included:

  • That her credentials under objective standards were not sufficient to qualify her for the position.
  • That there was no written record to demonstrate that she was either a strict constructionist or originalist in her approach to constitutional interpretation. There were qualms that she could be a moderate or liberal "sleeper" who would support abortion rights, affirmative action and gay rights if confirmed to a seat on the Supreme Court.

Notable conservative commentators expressing these or other concerns included newspaper columnists Pat Buchanan, Ann Coulter,[12] Charles Krauthammer,[13] William Kristol,[14] Rush Limbaugh, Ramesh Ponnuru, and George Will;[15] former Bush speechwriter David Frum; and constitutional scholar Randy Barnett. [14] Finally, Robert Bork, one of the premier advocates of originalism and a Supreme Court nominee under President Reagan who was eventually rejected by the Senate, proclaimed that the nomination was "a disaster on every level," and a "slap in the face" to conservatives.[16]

In addition to the initial positive comments from Democrat Senator Harry Reid, other prominent Republican conservatives were supportive of Miers, including former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich [15], Focus on the Family founder James Dobson (who later suggested he would have recanted his endorsement if she had not withdrawn), Senator John Cornyn of Texas [16], columnist Mark Steyn [17], and former Indiana Senator Dan Coats, [18] who became the Bush administration's appointed guide for Miers through the confirmation process.

A comprehensive list from the Republican side on the pros and cons of the Miers nomination is available at RightSideRedux.com [19].

Robert Schenck had access to Harriet Miers during her brief Supreme Court nomination and took exception that she was attending St. John's Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C. rather than a local chapter of the more fundamentalist Church of Christ as she had done back in Texas.


[edit] Withdrawal

The convential wisdom has it that Miers requested to withdraw her nomination on October 27, 2005, and President Bush acceded to her wishes.[20] That Miers jumped rather than being pushed was initially accepted, subsequently that view has been challenged; specifically, it has been reported that Miers' abysmal performance in pre-hearings murder boards had made clear to White House Chief of Staff Andy Card and Deputy White House Counsel William Kelley that the game was up, at which point, they demanded Miers withdraw. After initial resistance, she acqiesced.[17]

Bush and Miers attributed her withdrawal to requests from the Judiciary Committee for the release of internal White House documents that the administration has insisted were protected by executive privilege. Both Republican and Democratic senators denied that they were attempting to obtain privileged documents.[21]Most observers instead believed this rationale was a way for the Bush administration to pull her nomination and still "save face," by avoiding a direct acknowledgement of the lack of support for her nomination. The claim of executive privilege was in fact previously recommended as an "exit strategy" by numerous commentators, such as Charles Krauthammer,[22] and reports indicated that White House advisors had considered that as a tactic.[23]

Samuel Alito, a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, was nominated four days after her withdrawal and subsequently confirmed.

[edit] References

  1. ^ "I had recommended that the President consider nominating Ms. Miers because I was impressed with her record of achievement as the managing partner of a major Texas law firm and the first woman president of the Texas Bar Association. In those roles she was a strong supporter of law firm diversity policies and a leader in promoting legal services for the poor. "Harry Reid (Thursday, October 27, 2005). Reid on Miers Withdrawal (Press Release of Senator Reid). Retrieved on January 4, 2007.
  2. ^ "I like Harriet Miers. As White House Counsel, she has worked with me in a courteous and professional manner. I am also impressed with the fact that she was a trailblazer for women as managing partner of a major Dallas law firm and as the first woman president of the Texas Bar Association. In my view, the Supreme Court would benefit from the addition of a justice who has real experience as a practicing lawyer. The current justices have all been chosen from the lower federal courts. A nominee with relevant non-judicial experience would bring a different and useful perspective to the Court. "Harry Reid (Monday, October 3, 2005). STATEMENT OF SENATOR HARRY REID ON THE NOMINATION OF HARRIET MIERS TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT (Press Release of Senator Reid). Retrieved on January 4, 2007.
  3. ^ "I continue to believe that Harriet Miers received a raw deal. She is an accomplished lawyer, a trailblazer for women and a strong advocate of legal services for the poor. Not only was she denied the up-down vote that my Republican colleagues say every nominee deserves, but she was never even afforded the chance to make her case to the Judiciary Committee."Harry Reid (Tuesday, January 31, 2006). REID STATEMENT ON THE CONFIRMATION OF SAMUEL ALITO (Press Release of Senator Reid). Retrieved on January 4, 2007.
  4. ^ Bush picks White House counsel for Supreme Court. CNN (October 4, 2005). Retrieved on January 4, 2007.
  5. ^ [1] [2][3][4]
  6. ^ GOP Senator Concerned About Miers' Abortion Views. ABC News (Oct. 5, 2005).
  7. ^ Note that the document referenced does not contain her signature. 1989 Texans United for Life survey. Retrieved on January 4, 2007.
  8. ^ MIERS’ RELIGION ALREADY UNDER FIRE. Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights (October 5, 2005). Retrieved on January 4, 2007.
  9. ^ GOP Senator Concerned About Miers' Abortion Views. ABC News (Oct. 5, 2005).
  10. ^ Jo Becker and Sylvia Moreno (October 22, 2005). Miers Backed Race, Sex Set-Asides. Retrieved on January 4, 2007.
  11. ^ Miers' stand on attorney fee caps questioned. MSNBC (October 7, 2005). Retrieved on January 4, 2007.
  12. ^ Ann Coulter (October 5, 2005). THIS IS WHAT 'ADVICE AND CONSENT' MEANS.
  13. ^ Charles Krauthammer (Charles Krauthammer). Withdraw This Nominee.
  14. ^ William Kristol (10/03/2005). Disappointed, Depressed and Demoralized.
  15. ^ George Will (October 5, 2005). Can This Nomination Be Justified?.
  16. ^ Bork calls Miers nomination a 'disaster' (Oct 14, 2005).
  17. ^ See Jan Crawford Greenburg, SUPREME CONFLICT (2007) pp.282-4

[edit] Additional documents

Additional disclosure forms are available via the AP:

  • A financial disclosure form dated October 17, 2005. [24]
  • A financial statement outlining Miers' net worth. [25]
  • The full, 57-page questionnaire submitted by Miers to the Senate as part of the vetting process. [26]

[edit] External links

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