Justice Sandra Day O'Connor stepping down

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor stepping down
- Chuck Squatriglia, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, July 1, 2005

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, announced her retirement this morning after 24 years on the high court, setting the stage for what promises to be a bruising fight to confirm her successor.

"It has been a great privilege indeed to have served as a member of the court for 24 terms," the 75-year-old justice said in a three-sentence letter sent to the White House this morning. "I will leave it with enormous respect for the integrity of the court and its role under our constitutional structure."

Less than an hour later, President Bush -- speaking from the Rose Garden -- praised O'Connor as "a discerning and conscientious judge, and a public servant of complete integrity."

"Justice O'Connor's great intellect, wisdom and personal decency have won her the esteem of her colleagues and our country," the president said.

O'Connor forged a reputation as a moderate conservative seen as a critical swing vote on a host of hot-button issues, from abortion to affirmative action, and her departure is sure to ignite a passionate ideological battle over her successor. She said she will step down once her successor is confirmed.

More at the link below.