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Bush defends Miers’ court nomination to disappointed hard-line conservatives TomRaum * THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON — President Bush pushed back against suggestions by some skeptical Republicans that Harriet Miers was not conservative enough, insisting on Tuesday that his nominee to the Supreme Court shares his strict-constructionist views. “I know her heart,” Bush told a Rose Garden news conference. “Her philosophy won’t change.” As his White House counsel made the rounds of Senate offices, Bush reached out to his conservative supporters with words of reassurance. “I hope they’re listening,” said the president as he worked to appease conservatives without giving new ammunition to Democrats. some commentators ana activists have expressed open disappointment with Bush’s selection of Miers, citing her lack of a judicial track record and complaining that Bush had passed over more prominent, proven conservatives. Bush suggested he would not release documents relating to her work at the White House, saying it was “important that we maintain executive privilege,” even as Democrats demanded more information on her role in administration decisions. He urged Democrats to give her a chance to explain her views of the law and the Constitution at her confirmation hearing. In welcome news to the White House, Miers won the unqualified support of one of the Senate’s top conservatives, Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. “A lot of my fellow conservatives are concerned, Charles Dharapak / The Associated Press President Bush gives a press conference in the Rose Garden of the White House on Tuesday. In the face of criticism from the left and right, President Bush insisted that Harriet Miers is the best qualified candidate for the Supreme Court. but they don’t know her as I do,” said Hatch, a former chairman of the Judiciary Committee. “She’s going to basically do what the president thinks she should and that is be a strict constructionist.” The term refers to justices who believe their role is to decide cases based on a close reading of the Constitution rather than ranging more widely in interpretation. Sen. Sam Brownback, R Kan., a strong abortion foe, said he was yet to be convinced. “I am not yet confident that Ms. Miers has a proven track record,” Brownback said. In his 55-minute news conference, Bush repeatedly implied that conservatives should trust his judgment in picking Miers to succeed the retiring Sandra Day O’Connor, who often was the swing vote on divisive social issues including abortion. Asked point blank if Miers was the most qualified person he could find in the country for the high court, Bush said, “Yes, otherwise I would not have put her on.” His father, George H.W. Bush, made a similar claim about Clarence Thomas — and was derided for it — while defending his controversial Supreme Court pick in 1991. Thomas was confirmed 52-48. Pressed on whether he and Miers had ever discussed the court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, Bush said: “Not to my recollection. ... “He reiterated his own opposition to abortion, but said he had not asked any judicial candidates about the subject. Dismissing charges of cronyism, Bush said: “I picked the best person I could find. People know we’re close.” Bush has known Miers for more than 10 years, first as his personal lawyer and most recently as White House counsel. Bush asked the Senate to act by Thanksgiving. He said any request for White House documents relating to Miers’ work would be a “distraction.” i • "Foundation I furnished my L dorm room.'' '-i<v —Linda, mark Representative mark. AVON the makeup you can buy and sell Want to spruce up your living space? Linda did—by selling mark. More than a top beauty brand, mark has 350+ makeup products and accessories. It’s an opportunity to earn money or even fundraise for your favorite organization. Selling: mark is fun and fashionable, and more rewarding than working in restaurants or retail stores. Be your own boss, work flexible hours, and make money for school, shopping, or whatever! • Earn up to 40% on everything you sell. • Earn prizes, trips and cash. p Go to meetmark.com/schoolsweeps to become a mark Representative and enter to win $100; No purchase necessary. Must be a legal U S. resident and 17 years of age or older to enter. For complete details, including how to enter, see official rules at www, metrfinark.com/schoolsweeps. Sweepstakes starts on 9/19/05 at 12 noon and ends on 10/31/05 at 12 noon. Ifoid where prohibited. •See www.meetmarik.com/schoolsweeps fbr details. \ AGENTS HAVE COME TO RID YOUR CAMPUS OF VIRUSES COMPUTER REPAIR * COMPUTER MAINTENANCE • DATA BACKUP PRIVACY PROTECTION • VIRUS REMOVAL • FLAT RATE PRICING GEEKSQUAD.COM 1 800 GEEK SQUAD GEEK SQUAD* PRECINCTS NOW IN ALL BEST BUY" STORES