Bu$h Attempts 'End-Run' With Supreme Court Appointment

Appointing someone who isn't a judge (and, therefore no judicial record) for the top judicial tier in the land is supposed to stop all of us thinking liberals dead in our tracks - steal our thunder, so to speak.
Hmm, this has the foul stench of Karl Rove all over it, Curious George just ain't smart enough to come up with this one all on his own...

--ryan

Bush Picks Aide for Supreme Court


Bush 'Picks Aide For Justice Job'
President George Bush is to nominate White House counsel Harriet Miers for the US Supreme Court, officials say.

If approved by the Senate, Ms Miers - who has never sat as a judge - will take up the seat left by Sandra Day O'Connor who stepped down in July.

Democrats are likely to fight the nomination if they think it tips the court's balance towards the right.

Mr Bush's announcement coincides with John Roberts' first day of work at the helm of the Supreme Court.

Approved by the Senate last week, Chief Justice Roberts holds one of the most influential posts in US public life.

'Trusted adviser'

Mr Roberts had originally been picked to replace Ms O'Connor. But when Chief Justice William Rehnquist died last month, Mr Bush decide to nominate him for the top job.

Ms O'Connor was considered the holder of a key swing vote on the court, which is why the appointment of a conservative could tip the balance of the court.

Harriet Miers, 60, has been serving as President Bush's top legal counsel since November 2004.

She also served on Mr Bush's gubernatorial campaign in 1994 - and again during his presidential election of 2000.

"Harriet Miers is a trusted adviser on whom I have long relied for advice," said Mr Bush when he elevated her from the position of assistant to the president and staff secretary to top adviser.

Friends and colleagues describe her as assertive and ambitious, whilst being discreet and selfless.

If she is confirmed by the Senate, Ms Miers will join the eight other justices in considering some of the most bitterly contested social issues in the US, including assisted suicide, abortion, same-sex marriage, human cloning and campaign finance law.


Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/4304684.stm

Published: 2005/10/03 11:45:12 GMT

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