Nevada lawmakers speak out on possible replacement

Friday, July 1, 2005 | 11:11 a.m.

Nevada lawmakers quickly issued statements praising Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Their comments also offer a preview of what may be a heated battle in Congress over a new nominee.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., was traveling on his way to Nevada when the announcement was made. His office issued a Reid statement calling O'Connor a "voice of reason and moderation" on the court.

"It is vital that she be replaced by someone like her, someone who embodies the fundamental American values of freedom, equality and fairness," Reid said in the statement.

Reid again called on President Bush to consult with Democrats on a nominee.

"At this critical moment, the President must recognize the Senate's constitutional rule," Reid said. "He should give life to the advice and consent clause by engaging in meaningful consultation with senators of both parties."

Reid said Bush should use the nomination to "unite the country, not divide it."

Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., said she hopes Bush will nominate someone to replace O'Connor who "shares her judicial temperament."

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., said, he hopes for a nominee who "will uphold our Constitution as our founding fathers wrote it and break the recent trend of judicial activism that has generated great concern in Congress and across America."

Gibbons was among conservatives who objected to a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling in an eminent domain case just last week that gave cities and states greater ability to obtain private property for economic development projects. O'Connor also disagreed with the majority and wrote a dissent.

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., and Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., issued statements that did not express any expectations for a nominee, but they lauded O'Connor's service. Ensign praised O'Connor for serving with dignity and integrity and Porter said "her historical legacy will be a role model for all."