Miers supported ban on most abortions

strandinthewind · #1 10-18-2005, 01:25 PM

Miers supported ban on most abortions

Supreme Court nominee pledged to support pro-life group in 1989

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers pledged support in 1989 for a constitutional amendment banning abortions except when necessary to save the life of the mother, according to material given to the Senate on Tuesday.

As a candidate for the Dallas city council, Miers also signaled support for the overall agenda of Texans United for Life -- agreeing she would support legislation restricting abortions if the Supreme Court ruled that states could ban abortions and would participate in "pro-life rallies and special events."

Miers made her views known in a candidate questionnaire the White House submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is expected to hold hearings on her Supreme Court nomination next month. The one-page questionnaire was filled out, but unsigned, although the Bush administration affirmed its authenticity.

Qualifications questioned

The document surfaced as the White House struggled to reassure conservatives who have been critical of Miers' appointment, depicting her as a crony of President Bush who lacks the background or qualifications to sit on the high court.

There was fresh evidence of trouble for Miers during the day, when Sen. David Vitter, R-Louisiana, issued a statement saying, "My top questions are: does she have a consistent and well-grounded conservative judicial philosophy and what objective evidence is there of it from her life's work?"

Miers, 60, meanwhile, continued meeting privately with senators during the day, part of a round of courtesy calls that precede the opening of confirmation hearings.

"With her conservative judicial philosophy, she understands that judges must not legislate from the bench," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the conservative American Center for Law and Justice and a Miers supporter. "And while she may hold personal views that underscore the value of human life, it would be wrong for those views to be used against her in the confirmation process."

The 1989 questionnaire was designed to gauge candidates' views on the drive to ban most abortions, either by constitutional amendment or by state law in the event the Supreme Court overturned a 1973 ruling that established abortion rights.

"If Congress passes a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution that would prohibit abortion except when it was necessary to prevent the death of the mother, would you actively support its ratification by the Texas Legislature," asked an April 1989 questionnaire sent out by the Texans United for Life group.

Miers checked "yes" to that question, and all of the group's questions, including whether she would oppose the use of public moneys for abortions and whether she would use her influence to keep "pro-abortion" people off city health boards and commissions.

The swing vote

The abortion issue hangs over Miers' nomination much as it did over the appointment of Chief Justice John Roberts earlier this year. The situations are different, however -- Roberts replaced the late William Rehnquist, who voted to overturn the 1973 abortion ruling. Miers would succeed retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who has voted to uphold it.

"A candidate taking a political position in the course of a campaign is different from the role of a judge making a ruling in the judicial process." said Jim Dyke, a White House spokesman.

Miers' nomination has been met with skepticism from some conservatives, who say she has little by way of a record to establish her views on abortion, affirmative action and other issues. The Texans United for Life questionnaire is additional evidence of how Miers feels about abortion, with some of her supporters assuring conservatives that they believe she would overturn the Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.

Miers also bought a $150 ticket to a Texans United for Life dinner in 1989 and took a leadership role in trying to get the American Bar Association to reconsider its abortion-rights position in 1993.

'Nobody can speak for me on Roe v. Wade'

Senators say Miers has insisted that she has not given anyone any assurances that she would overturn Roe v. Wade if given the chance.

"She said nobody knows my views on Roe v. Wade. Nobody can speak for me on Roe v. Wade," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, on Monday, referring to the case that guaranteed women's constitutional right to an abortion, setting a legal precedent that abortion foes have been trying to overturn ever since.

In the questionnaire that she turned in the Judiciary Committee, Miers answered "no" to questions asking whether anyone during the nomination process discussed specific cases or legal issues with her to get an assurance on her positions. She also answered "no" to whether she told anyone how she might rule if confirmed.

The questionnaire also reveals that the White House was considering Miers for its first Supreme Court nomination along with now-Chief Justice John Roberts.

"When Justice Sandra Day O'Connor first announced her desire to retire, I was asked whether my name should be considered," she said in the questionnaire. "I indicated at that time that I did not want to be considered."

Miers said she then led the staff search that ended in Roberts' nomination. But she said her role was more passive after Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist died.

"At some point I understand that individuals at the White House began considering me," she wrote. During four meetings with Deputy White House Counsel William Kelley, Chief of Staff Andrew Card and Bush, Miers said she "realized that my name was under consideration."

Bush offered her the position over dinner October 2 and she accepted, she wrote.

Miers also revealed that her law license was suspended in the District of Columbia earlier this year for non-payment of bar dues. "I immediately sent the dues to remedy the delinquency," she wrote. "The non-payment was not intentioned, and I corrected the situation upon receiving the letter."

Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/....ap/index.html
_____________________________________________________________

What a cow.

Brwn_eyes0511 · #2 10-18-2005, 01:26 PM

Just saw this on the news.

DavidMn · #3 10-18-2005, 01:26 PM

Interesting. Thank you for sharing this information.

dissention · #4 10-18-2005, 01:29 PM

Anyone who doesn't think The Corpse Bride of TGIFriday's is going to be confirmed is a dolt.

strandinthewind · #5 10-18-2005, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissention

Anyone who doesn't think The Corpse Bride of TGIFriday's is going to be confirmed is a dolt.

Simialarly, anyone who does not see through the BS moaning from the likes of Sow Coulter is a dolt. The far Christian right is salivating over this nominee because they know she is against the right of privacy.

Brwn_eyes0511 · #6 10-18-2005, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

Simialarly, anyone who does not see through the BS moaning from the likes of Sow Coulter is a dolt. The far Christian right is salivating over this nominee because they know she is against the right of privacy.

IF I HEAR THIS ONE MORE TIME I AM GOING TO SCREAM! SHUT UP ALREADY!

It is more than moaning. We are outraged that the President would be so arrogant as to nominate this completely unqualified individual to the USSC!

ShangriLaTroubl · #7 10-18-2005, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwn_eyes0511

IF I HEAR THIS ONE MORE TIME I AM GOING TO SCREAM! SHUT UP ALREADY!

It is more than moaning. We are outraged that the President would be so arrogant as to nominate this completely unqualified individual to the USSC!

That was a very funny blowup, thanks! I enjoyed it

strandinthewind · #8 10-18-2005, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShangriLaTroubl

That was a very funny blowup, thanks! I enjoyed it

I know - it should be followed up with - "who will fulfill every single one of our goals about eliminating the right to privacy - but we really are just mad as hell she has no Ivy League education"

Brwn_eyes0511 · #9 10-18-2005, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShangriLaTroubl

That was a very funny blowup, thanks! I enjoyed it

It's one of the only things that really bug me! Finally there is some sort of common ground between conservatives and liberals...but liberals won't have it! How dare any one question my sincerity in opposing Miers' nomination.

Brwn_eyes0511 · #10 10-18-2005, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

I know - it should be followed up with - "who will fulfill every single one of our goals about eliminating the right to privacy - but we really are just mad as hell she has no Ivy League education"

Well that is a good start...

move on...

ShangriLaTroubl · #11 10-18-2005, 02:03 PM

Hey I just got a new DNC email today :

Republicans have become so incompetent, so out of control and so unbelievably corrupt that no amount of spin can cover it up. The fact is, we're witnessing a dramatic reversal in national politics. If we seize this opportunity, we can change history.

Everyone can see what Republican Leader Tom Delay did when he wanted more Republicans in Congress. He's been indicted for laundering more than $170,000 in corporate money to gerrymander six Congressional seats away from Democrats.

That's what the Republican money-for-influence machine is about -- special interest money to fund Republican officials who will make sure that contributors get a return on their investment.

We do things differently. So let's prove it. Tom DeLay is set to be arraigned in a Texas court on Friday -- let's raise twice the amount he's accused of laundering, and let's do it in grassroots donations.

Show America that ordinary people have the power to raise $2 for every $1 Tom Delay can launder. Make a contribution and fight Republican corruption:

http://www.democrats.org/doubledelay

The corruption in Washington has gotten so bad that even Republicans can't stomach Republicans any longer. One GOP Congressman told Howard Fineman of Newsweek that the Republican leadership "has become ossified and hopelessly out of touch ... They only care about one thing, hanging onto their own power. I'm not ready to take them on, at least not yet, not unless I have to!"

He may not be ready to take on the corrupt Republican leadership -- but we are.

Wishing won't drive them out of office -- but strong Democratic candidates and a ground operation in every single state will. It's up to each of us to be a part of the alternative to failed Republican leadership. That's why the Democratic Party needs your financial support right now for our all-out candidate recruitment and organizing drive:

http://www.democrats.org/doubledelay

There is a wave of change coming, and Republicans are battling against frustration from average voters and disappointment from their fringe extremist base.

The only limits on our potential are the number of strong Democratic candidates who step forward to run in key contests, and our ability to turn out the vote in every single precinct in America. Your dollars build something that hasn't existed in decades -- a Democratic organizing and communications infrastructure in every state.

Part of my job is to make sure that we have those candidates and that truly national organization in place. Our strength -- to potential candidates and to voters -- is that our promise of change is backed up by millions of committed people like you who will do whatever it takes to carry Democrats to victory.

Please make a contribution now to show that ordinary people have the power to drive Democratic victory:

http://www.democrats.org/doubledelay

Republicans are having serious problems convincing people to run for office defending the GOP's incompetence, corruption and cronyism. The Washington Post reports serious worries in the Republican establishment over their recruitment failures.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is growing -- our slate of solid candidates continues to expand, and our 50-state strategy of putting organizers in every state continues to attract top talent everywhere.

With a serious push now -- in enough time to build a powerful party structure that will last beyond a single election cycle -- we can reshape the electoral landscape in 2006 and beyond.

Let's hit $340,000 by Friday:

http://www.democrats.org/doubledelay

The future begins today -- America can do better, and the Democratic Party is the vehicle for change.

Here at Democratic Headquarters, everyone knows that you -- not special interests -- are in the driver's seat.

Thank you,

Tom McMahon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

P.S. -- A group of donors committed to a broad fundraising base has committed to matching every dollar raised between now and October 21. Every dollar contributed today will be matched -- so, doubling Tom DeLay's dirty money actually means quadrupling it to more than half a million dollars. This is a fantastic time to make a donation -- be part of the action by clicking here: http://www.democrats.org/doubledelay

heyjupiter678 · #12 10-18-2005, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwn_eyes0511

It's one of the only things that really bug me! Finally there is some sort of common ground between conservatives and liberals...but liberals won't have it! How dare any one question my sincerity in opposing Miers' nomination.

I think it's hilarious that you keep referring to Jason as a liberal just because he disagrees with you.

Brwn_eyes0511 · #13 10-18-2005, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShangriLaTroubl

If we seize this opportunity, we can change history.

What would I do if there were no liberals?

Brwn_eyes0511 · #14 10-18-2005, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heyjupiter678

I think it's hilarious that you keep referring to Jason as a liberal just because he disagrees with you.

I don't think I did...

dissention · #15 10-18-2005, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShangriLaTroubl

Hey I just got a new DNC email today :

Republicans have become so incompetent, so out of control and so unbelievably corrupt that no amount of spin can cover it up. The fact is, we're witnessing a dramatic reversal in national politics. If we seize this opportunity, we can change history.

Everyone can see what Republican Leader Tom Delay did when he wanted more Republicans in Congress. He's been indicted for laundering more than $170,000 in corporate money to gerrymander six Congressional seats away from Democrats.

That's what the Republican money-for-influence machine is about -- special interest money to fund Republican officials who will make sure that contributors get a return on their investment.

We do things differently. So let's prove it. Tom DeLay is set to be arraigned in a Texas court on Friday -- let's raise twice the amount he's accused of laundering, and let's do it in grassroots donations.

Show America that ordinary people have the power to raise $2 for every $1 Tom Delay can launder. Make a contribution and fight Republican corruption:

http://www.democrats.org/doubledelay

The corruption in Washington has gotten so bad that even Republicans can't stomach Republicans any longer. One GOP Congressman told Howard Fineman of Newsweek that the Republican leadership "has become ossified and hopelessly out of touch ... They only care about one thing, hanging onto their own power. I'm not ready to take them on, at least not yet, not unless I have to!"

He may not be ready to take on the corrupt Republican leadership -- but we are.

Wishing won't drive them out of office -- but strong Democratic candidates and a ground operation in every single state will. It's up to each of us to be a part of the alternative to failed Republican leadership. That's why the Democratic Party needs your financial support right now for our all-out candidate recruitment and organizing drive:

http://www.democrats.org/doubledelay

There is a wave of change coming, and Republicans are battling against frustration from average voters and disappointment from their fringe extremist base.

The only limits on our potential are the number of strong Democratic candidates who step forward to run in key contests, and our ability to turn out the vote in every single precinct in America. Your dollars build something that hasn't existed in decades -- a Democratic organizing and communications infrastructure in every state.

Part of my job is to make sure that we have those candidates and that truly national organization in place. Our strength -- to potential candidates and to voters -- is that our promise of change is backed up by millions of committed people like you who will do whatever it takes to carry Democrats to victory.

Please make a contribution now to show that ordinary people have the power to drive Democratic victory:

http://www.democrats.org/doubledelay

Republicans are having serious problems convincing people to run for office defending the GOP's incompetence, corruption and cronyism. The Washington Post reports serious worries in the Republican establishment over their recruitment failures.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is growing -- our slate of solid candidates continues to expand, and our 50-state strategy of putting organizers in every state continues to attract top talent everywhere.

With a serious push now -- in enough time to build a powerful party structure that will last beyond a single election cycle -- we can reshape the electoral landscape in 2006 and beyond.

Let's hit $340,000 by Friday:

http://www.democrats.org/doubledelay

The future begins today -- America can do better, and the Democratic Party is the vehicle for change.

Here at Democratic Headquarters, everyone knows that you -- not special interests -- are in the driver's seat.

Thank you,

Tom McMahon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

P.S. -- A group of donors committed to a broad fundraising base has committed to matching every dollar raised between now and October 21. Every dollar contributed today will be matched -- so, doubling Tom DeLay's dirty money actually means quadrupling it to more than half a million dollars. This is a fantastic time to make a donation -- be part of the action by clicking here: http://www.democrats.org/doubledelay

So, basically, they're panhandling for money? I already got called three times in the past week, asking me to donate money as a sign of solidarity, and I told them that once they grow backbones and become a liberal party once again to call me back.