In a press statement today, President Bush revealed one of the reasons he believes Harriet Miers is the best choice for the Supreme Court. If anything, its likely to cause more controversy.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush said Wednesday that Harriet Miers’ religious beliefs figured into her nomination to the Supreme Court as a top-ranking Democrat warned against any “wink and a nod” campaign for confirmation.
“People are interested to know why I picked Harriet Miers,” Bush told reporters at the White House. “Part of Harriet Miers’ life is her religion.”
I’ve written before on the subject of religious tests for judges and other public officials. While Bush hasn’t really said that he imposed a “religious test” in selecting Miers, the fact that he mentioned it will open the door to this becoming a legitimate subject of inquiry at her confirmation hearings. We were able to avoid that at the Roberts hearings, but I don’t think we will this time.
More importantly, though, what does a person’s religion have to do with their qualifications to hold any public office ?
I can’t think of an answer either.
Update: Kevin Boyd raises this interesting point in light of Bush’s comment today
If her religious beliefs are the cornerstone of her qualifications to become a justice on the Supreme Court, than her selection is unconstitutional. Article VI addresses the issue of religious tests in its third paragraph.
If President Bush is going to argue the fact that Harriet is an evangelical Christian is a qualifying factor to become a Supreme Court justice, than the United States Senate must uphold the Constitution and reject the nomination. Any religious test is a flagrant violation of Article VI, but I’m not surprised from an administration that apparently treats the Constitution as a document of suggestions.
I can’t say that I disagree with this position.
Previous Posts:
Trusting W
Still More on Miers
Oppose Harriet Miers ? You’re Sexist
More On Miers
Solving The Miers Puzzle
Publius v. Harriet Miers
Why Harriet ?
Harriet Who ?
