Prior to serving in her most recent position of White House counsel, Harriet Miers, the new Supreme Court nominee, was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy for President Bush.  That means she has a great understanding of issues like the economy, education, energy, national security and, of course, terrorism and the war effort.  More importantly, her comprehension and approach to each of those issues is philosophically conservative.   How could it not be?   The job of Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy is to present, argue for and defend the President's overall 'policy'. 

Conservatives are disappointed in this pick, no doubt.  Most had their favorites to succeed Sandra Day O'Conner and Harriet Miers was not at the top of the list.  In fact, she was not even on the bottom of the list.  But have we underestimated President Bush one more time?  Perhaps Harriet Miers will prove to be the ultimate stealth nominee for the conservative cause.  She has been involved in the inner workings of the Bush White House and is in position to take the most deeply held beliefs of pro—life, pro—religion and pro—Constitution President to the highest court in the land.  Chosen for such a time as this?  Harriet could be a modern day 'Esther'. 

J. James Estrada   10 03 05