First Lady Wants New Female Justice

U.S. first lady Laura Bush, left, listens as participants of Mothers to Mothers-to-Be, a program that helps to prevent more babies from being born with AIDS, sing a song of praise as they welcome her in Khayelitsha, near Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, July 12, 2005. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) (Charles Dharapak - AP)

First lady Laura Bush said yesterday that she would "really like" her husband to choose a woman to succeed Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. The first lady -- speaking at a classroom in Cape Town, South Africa -- was on NBC's "Today" show, answering a question about a replacement for O'Connor.

"Sure, I would really like for him to name another woman," she said.

Giving her husband an out, the first lady added: "I know that my husband will pick somebody who has a lot of integrity and strength. And whether it's a woman or a man, of course, I have no idea."

Bush, asked about his wife's comments, said he is looking forward to hearing them in person. "I talked to her yesterday," he said. "And listen, I get her advice all the time. I didn't realize she put this advice in the press. She did? Well, good. We're definitely considering people from all walks of life."