Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Ken Mehlman Email Begs for Help on Miers Vote


An email has gone out from Republican National Committee chairman Ken Mehlman begging Republicans to do everything in their power to convince legislators to vote for Harriet Miers' confirmation as President Bush's new Supreme Court justice. Mehlman asserts that Democrats will be doing everything possible to prevent the confirmation, and predicts the hearings will be more contentious than those for newly appointed Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. In defense of Bush's selection, Mehlman said "Harriet Miers has a record that demonstrates a commitment to faithfully applying the Constitution." But that's precisely the problem, Ken. There is no record. Miers is a veritable blank slate with no discernible positions on the hot-button issues facing Americans today: abortion, church and state, school integration, states' rights, gay rights, the environment, etc.

Mehlman urges his readers to go to www.GOP.com "for more information on the nominee." But the site offers up little except more GOP spin on her accomplishments as a highly regarded lawyer. I have many friends who are accomplished lawyers. Unfortunately, none of them belong on the Supreme Court. Try again, Ken. Andy

The full text of Mehlman's email is below:

Dear Anson,
Today, President Bush announced his choice to succeed Justice Sandra Day O'Connor as the next Supreme Court Justice: Harriet Miers. Ms. Miers is the third woman to be nominated for the Supreme Court, and like Justice O'Connor is a legal trailblazer. Ms. Miers is an extremely well-qualified and fair-minded individual who is committed to interpreting the law instead of legislating from the bench.

President Bush selected Ms. Miers after embarking on a thorough and deliberate thought process. This confirmation however promises to be much more contentious than the confirmation of Judge John Roberts. Before Ms. Miers was even announced many Democrat groups said they would oppose her. They have no interest in giving Ms. Miers a fair hearing or vote. They are promising to throw every punch, make every accusation and pressure every Senator to oppose this nominee no matter what her qualifications may be. We have to be prepared to counter their actions and that is why Harriet Miers needs your help.

To ensure Ms. Miers is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, I need you to do three things.

1. Call your Senators. Tell them Harriet Miers has your support and deserves theirs.

2. Sign our petition in support of the timely confirmation of Harriet Miers.

3. Call talk radio, write a letter to the editor of your local paper and tell your friends and neighbors why you support the President's choice.

Harriet Miers has a record that demonstrates a commitment to faithfully applying the Constitution. For more information on the nominee, go to www.gop.com.

In the coming years and decades, the decisions the Supreme Court makes will greatly affect all of our lives. We need a jurist on the court who will not legislate from the bench, who will approach cases with an open mind and who will be fair. Ms. Miers is that jurist. Call your Senators. Tell them to vote yes on the confirmation of Harriet Miers.

Sincerely,
Ken Mehlman,
RNC Chairman

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