NOW Urges O'Connor to Remain on Court

Statement of National Organization for Women President Kim Gandy

October 27, 2005

Today's withdrawal by Harriet Miers as a nominee to the Supreme Court illustrates once again the stranglehold George W. Bush's base of religious and political extremists have on his administration.

The real reason Bush's right-wing base demanded her withdrawal was the lack of an iron-clad guarantee (which they had with John Roberts) that Miers would be a solid vote to overturn longstanding precedents like Roe v. Wade and uphold abortion restrictions enacted under this administration.

Conservatives were looking for their own kind of "activist" judge and Miers did not appear to fit the bill.

At this time, with the country's leadership in turmoil and confidence in the government steadily declining, now more than ever we need stability — and a justice who has the confidence of the people of this country.

We need a proven and independent justice on the Supreme Court. Someone who will uphold our core fundamental rights and constitutional protections. Someone who will not turn back the clock on women's rights and human rights. Someone who is not beholden to any extreme faction.

That person is Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. We strongly encourage Justice O'Connor to reconsider her stated intention to retire, and instead remain on the court. NOW is initiating a petition campaign to demonstrate widespread support for such an action.

We urge Justice O'Connor to again respond to a call to serve her country, this time by providing critical stability when it is sorely needed. Though this action would come at considerable personal cost to Justice O'Connor, it would be an undeniable service and the people of the United States would be grateful.

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Mai Shiozaki, 202-628-8669, ext. 116; cell 202-641-1906

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