Let's reminisce

Bush Insists Miers Is 'Eminently Qualified' to Join High Court
By Daryl Strickland, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
October 4, 2005

President Bush, under fire from the political spectrum for nominating Harriett Miers as a Supreme Court judge despite having no judicial experience, vigorously defended his choice today, saying she's "eminently qualified" for the position.

In nominating the White House counsel and his longtime friend to replace the retiring Sandra Day O'Connor, Bush said he felt someone who has not been on the bench and shares his conservative views would bring a "fresh approach" to the court.

Moreover, Bush tried to counter charges of cronyism from his political foes, saying Miers was "eminently as qualified as John Roberts," who was sworn in this week as chief justice.

"I picked the best person I could find," Bush said of Miers during his first news conference in Washington since May. He added: "I don't want somebody to go on the bench to try to supplant the legislative process. I'm interested in people that will be strict constructionists.