Harriet Miers

[PanTheMan]

http://www.opinionjournal.com/diary/?id=110007415

What followed, according to the notes, was a free-wheeling discussion about many topics, including same-sex marriage. Justice Hecht said he had never discussed that issue with Ms. Miers. Then an unidentified voice asked the two men, "Based on your personal knowledge of her, if she had the opportunity, do you believe she would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade?"

"Absolutely," said Judge Kinkeade.

"I agree with that," said Justice Hecht. "I concur."

If these "Preachers" are Preaching Politics WHY ARE THEY TAX EXEMPT?

[Alex]

Has her nomination been withdrawn yet?

Wasington Post article

Meanwhile, several constitutional law scholars said they were surprised and puzzled by Miers's response to the committee's request for information on cases she has handled dealing with constitutional issues. In describing one matter on the Dallas City Council, Miers referred to "the proportional representation requirement of the Equal Protection Clause" as it relates to the Voting Rights Act.

"There is no proportional representation requirement in the Equal Protection Clause," said Cass R. Sunstein, a constitutional law professor at the University of Chicago. He and several other scholars said it appeared that Miers was confusing proportional representation -- which typically deals with ethnic groups having members on elected bodies -- with the one-man, one-vote Supreme Court ruling that requires, for example, legislative districts to have equal populations.

I don't think judicial experience is required for a good justice. I would ask that they have the constitution pretty much committed to memory (it really isn't that long). And it isn't as if this were a question she answered years ago when she couldn't imagine possibly being on the Supreme Court. This was a question she answered now as part of the confirmation process.

I really do think the president should have wide latitude and congressional deference to pick appointments, even to the Supreme Court. But she just doesn't seem to meet any reasonable minimum standards.