Associated Press
Thursday, October 27, 2005; 8:58
AM
WASHINGTON -- Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination to be a Supreme Court
justice Thursday in the face of stiff opposition and mounting criticism about
her qualifications. Bush said he reluctantly accepted her decision to withdraw, after weeks of
insisting that he did not want her to step down. He blamed her withdrawal on
calls in the Senate for the release of internal White House documents that the
administration has insisted were protected by executive privilege. "It is clear that senators would not be satisfied until they gained access to
internal documents concerning advice provided during her tenure at the White
House -- disclosures that would undermine a president's ability to receive
candid counsel," Bush said. "Harriet Miers' decision demonstrates her deep
respect for this essential aspect of the constitutional separation of powers --
and confirms my deep respect and admiration for her."