Miers Backed Abortion Ban in 1989

Miers also checked "yes" to the following questions:

--"Will you oppose the use of City funds or facilities by any persons, groups, clinics or organizations to promote, encourage or provide referrals for abortions?"

--"Would you refuse the endorsement of any organization that supports abortion-on-demand?"

--"Will you use your influence as an elected official within the confines of your oath of office to promote the pro-life cause?"

In another form, submitted to the Dallas Eagle Forum for the same election, she said she would oppose an ordinance that would "force" property owners and businesses to provide accommodations to persons with AIDS.

The abortion position is consistent with Miers's attempts as an American Bar Association leader to keep that organization from adopting a position on the subject. It is also consistent with various quotes from Miers's friends and associates in Texas, who have described her as "pro-life" in a variety of interviews.

Miers, through senators with whom she has interviewed, has said she has told no one how she might rule were she confronted with a case challenging Roe.

On a lengthy questionnaire she submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee today, she said no one involved in the selection process had discussed any case with her. She also responded "no" when asked on the form whether she made "any representations to any individuals or interest groups as to how" she might rule as a justice if confirmed.

Miers said on the questionnaire that she was asked whether she wanted to be considered for the court when Justice Sandra Day O'Connor first announced her decision to retire. "I indicated at that time that I did not want to be considered," she wrote.

After the death of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, "I participated in consideration of potential nominees to fill a second vacancy. At some point I understand that individuals at the White House began considering me as a potential nominee without advising me," she wrote.

She met with President Bush four times to discuss the possibility, on Sept. 21, 28, 29 and on Oct. 2. On Oct. 2, she dined with the president and Laura Bush and was offered the nomination. She wrote that the dinner was arranged by White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card.