In hopes of relieving some of the immense pressure the White House has faced, Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination to the Supreme Court Thursday. The White House cited senator requests for access to conversations between Miers and the President that could violate attorney-client privilege as a reason for withdrawal.
Opposition, however, had been publicly mounting among Democrats and, more importantly, Republicans for weeks. Experts at the university and area political representatives for both parties said they agree that a general lack of support sealed Miers' fate even before her nomination went to committee hearings in the Senate.
'She withdrew for lack of support, a combination of the strong opposition from conservative judicial groups and a deafening silence from the Senate,' said Charles Franklin, professor of political science at UW-Madison.
Skepticism about Miers' nomination did not arise from religious and political concerns that previous nominee, John Roberts faced'it stemmed from feelings of frustration in the Senate that Miers lacked credentials and experience to back her nomination.
'The culmination of alienation and anger toward not knowing anything about her or her stances on both sides is why she ended up withdrawing,' said Brian Shactman, chair of the Madison College Democrats.
Speculation that Miers' nomination would not make it through Senate inquiry has been widespread.
'The hearings were going to make a mockery of her,' Shactman said.
Widespread doubt and negative media coverage regarding Miers' qualifications have brought added criticism to the president and the White House. Recent events like Republican leader Tom DeLay's indictment and the possible indictment of top administrators concerning a CIA leak have left the White House fighting to maintain a positive image among the American people.
'[Miers'] withdrawal is the best news they've had in weeks,' Franklin said. 'She would've suffered a terrible trial. It's good for her and the president not to go through with it.'
Bush now faces choosing a new nominee that both the Senate and his party will approve of. Dane County Republicans District Chair Judy Baumgartner predicts Bush will choose a nominee with strong credentials and experience.
'Once he gets someone in there and gets someone approved who will get the job done, all will be forgotten and forgiven,' she said.
