Harriet Miers Withdraws Nomination
Miers Puts Country Before Self
Washington, DC: The Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA) endorsed the nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court as it had Chief Justice John Roberts. We are confident that she was eminently qualified for the Supreme Court and would have sought to apply the law not make law. She was a trailblazer for women lawyers. She created a distinguished record in both the public and private sectors demonstrating both remarkable competence and fairness at all levels.
RNLA President Harvey Tettlebaum stated: “Her withdrawal demonstrates her deep dedication to the fundamental constitutional principle of separation of powers and the President’s judicial philosophy. We offer our best wishes and support to Ms. Miers at this difficult time. We know she will continue to serve the President and this country superbly as White House Counsel.”
Harriet Miers recognized that many Senators would not be satisfied until they gain access to internal White House documents protected by attorney client privilege. As she stated in her withdrawal letter to the President:
“As you know, members of the Senate have indicated their intention to seek documents about my service in the White House in order to judge whether to support me. . . . 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. . . .
“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.”

Consensus: If there is any champagne corks popped today, it is all in tribute to Harriet Miers, a fine woman who has served her country well.