Posted on: Saturday, July 2, 2005
O'Connor called 'thoughtful voice'
| • | New battle for justice begins |
By Dennis Camire
Advertiser Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — Hawai'i's Democratic senators praised U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor just hours after she announced she was retiring.
Sen. Dan K. Inouye said O'Connor served the nation with distinction as the first woman on the Supreme Court.
"She was a thoughtful voice of moderation," he said.
Inouye said O'Connor's retirement creates an opportunity for President Bush to consult with the Senate on a nominee "who will have the broadest possible support of the Senate and the American people and who will bring to the high court integrity and a firm commitment to the Constitution."
Sen. Daniel K. Akaka said O'Connor has been an "inspirational figure."
"She blazed a trail that many will follow," he said. "O'Connor brought a practical sense of how to balance the will of the majority with the rights of the minority in our society. She has been a voice of reason and moderation on the court."
