Harriet Miers has withdrawn her name as Supreme Court justice nominee. In her
letter, the main reason she cited was because of concern over documents relating
to her advice she has given President Bush since he has been in the oval office.
The following is a copy of her letter:

Oct. 17, 2005

Dear Mr. President:

I write to withdraw as a nominee to serve as an Associate Justice on the
Supreme Court of the United States. I have been greatly honored and humbled
by the confidence that you have shown in me, and have appreciated immensely
your support and the support of many others. However, I am concerned that
the confirmation process presents a burden for the White House and our staff
that is not in the best interest of the country.

As you know, members of the Senate have indicted their intention to seek
documents about my service in the White House in order to judge whether to
support me. I have been informed repeatedly that in lieu of records, I would
be expected to testify about my service in the White House to demonstrate my
experience and judicial philosophy. While I believe that my lengthy career
provides sufficient evidence for consideration of my nomination, I am
convinced the efforts to obtain Executive Branch materials and information
will continue.

As I sated in my acceptance remarks in the Oval Office, the strength and
independence of our three branches of government are critical to the
continued success of this great Nation. Repeatedly in the course of the
process of confirmation for nominees for other positions, I have steadfastly
maintained that the independence of the Executive Branch be preserved and
its confidential documents and information not be released to further a
confirmation process. I feel compelled to adhere to this position,
especially related to my own nomination. Protection of the prerogatives of
the Executive Branch and continued pursuit of my confirmation are in
tension. I have decided that seeking my confirmation should yield.

I share your commitment to appointing judges with a conservative judicial
philosophy, and I look forward to continuing to support your efforts to
provide the American people judges who will interpret the law, not make it.
I am most grateful for the opportunity to have served your Administration
and this country.

Most respectfully,

Harriet Ellan Miers

I have mixed feelings on this. I really expected her to at least go to the
confirmation hearings and get voted down there. That would of been a better
message from the White House. It would of shown that Bush was strong and
decisive, standing behind his pick. Now it appears as though they caved to
pressure by Senate.

If she would of been turned down in the confirmation hearing, President Bush
could of turned it into a speech on democracy and the powers of our
constitution. One thing that has been questioned throughout Bush’s time in
office is the separation of powers. He has never vetoed a bill and Congress has
been coined “a rubber stamp” for the White House.

Of course this may also help take some media attention away from the possible
indictments that are rumored to come out tomorrow. A new Supreme Court
nomination will in fact draw the focus of part of the media and take the hounds
off of Karl Rove and Scooter Libby. Unfortunately for the President I don’t
think it will distract the media that much. Even with all the bungling going on
in Florida’s recovery, they have still had time to stay on the leak
investigation. This will just give them more to talk about and keep even more
focus on the ailing White House.

I was thinking when the last time was that we had a woman do an early
withdraw in the White House. The only other time I could think of was involving
Bill Clinton when an aide did an early withdraw and ended up getting some on her
blue dress (sorry had to have a little humor in this).