| Washington,
DC - Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Mike
Honda (D-CA) today commended Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
on her exemplary service, and called on President Bush to nominate
a replacement who will unite ?not divide ?the court. Honda issued
the following statement:
孏oday, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor announced her resignation from
the U.S. Supreme Court. During her tenure on the nation𠏋 highest
court, Justice O'Connor was regarded as one of the most respected
and thoughtful justices in recent memory. I commend her for her
service to her country and wish her well in retirement.
President Ronald Reagan chose Sandra Day O'Connor because she
was a conservative who had consensus support from both sides of
the aisle. Justice O'Connor rewarded this consensus with equitable
jurisprudence and a solid record of determining issues based on
the law and well-established Constitutional principles. She was
a moderating voice on the Court and an intellectual leader.
The vacancy on the Supreme Court created by Justice O'Connor𠏋
resignation presents an opportunity for President Bush to offer
a consensus nominee to replace her. To achieve this, the President
should consult with Senators from both parties and avoid selecting
nominees based on ideology or far-right activism.
The American people are tired of the divisive politics of recent
nomination fights, and are looking to the Bush Administration
for leadership and unity ?not extremism. Meaningful consultation
with Democratic leaders will ensure a fair and independent nominee
who will enjoy the support of Senators from both parties.
President Bush will receive pressure from his conservative base
to nominate a right-wing ideologue to advance an activist agenda
and undermine decades of freedom building. It is my hope that
the President lives up to his self-description as a 𠀾niter, not
a divider?by nominating a moderate justice who will continue the
legacy left by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders want Supreme Court justices
who are agreeable to both parties in Congress. The Supreme Court𠏋
role in protecting individual rights and civil liberties is critical.
Therefore, President Bush must nominate someone who has a demonstrated
commitment to human and civil rights and to the independence of
the judiciary.
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