Selection is praised; some critics emerge. O’Connor gets high ratings from peers

Strange, euphoric days have de- ‘ scended upon the Executive Tower at the State Capitol. The halls of the Arizona Court of Appeals buzz with excitement and incredulity. One of theirs is now the center of attention of the nation’s press, Senate, White House, religious groups and judiciary. Sandra Day O’Connor, presiding judge of the Appeals Court’s Department C, is the focal point of the excitement . Two weeks ago, O’Connor’s name suddenly appeared as a leading prospect for the seat on the U.S. Supreme Court after Justice Potter Stewart, a veteran of 23 years on that bench, officially announced his retirement. Then, on July 7, President Reagan announced to the nation in a televised speech that he had selected O’Connor as the first woman nominee for the high court in the 191 years of the court’s existence, thus keeping the promise he made during his campaign last year. The selection process itself is one of interesting perspectives. The White House kept the selection process cloaked in secrecy, right down to the location where candidates were to be interviewed to prevent the press from interrupting proceedings. The Justice Department and administration officials began their search when Stewart informed the White House he was retiring in March, even though those officials were not aware that the vacancy was imminent. Stewart asked the White House not to announce his decision until mid-June. He made the announcement June 18. The secret location, still unrevealed, was used on the