End of the road

Politics | Support withered by conservative infighting and alarming statements on abortion, Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers calls it quits | Lynn Vincent

ne news outlet called them "drumbeats"—the din of doubt surrounding President Bush's nomination of Harriet Miers to the U.S. Supreme Court. The pounding stopped on Thursday, Oct. 27, when Ms. Miers withdrew herself from consideration, citing concerns about executive privilege.

"I have been informed repeatedly that in lieu of records, I would be expected to testify about my service in the White House to demonstrate my experience and judicial philosophy," wrote Ms. Miers, who has served since 2001 as Mr. Bush's staff secretary, deputy chief of staff, and White House counsel: "Protection of the prerogatives of the Executive Branch and continued pursuit of my confirmation are in tension. I have decided that seeking my confirmation should yield."