O’Connor Is Expected To Win Unanimous Support Of Senate

WASHINGTON – Arizona Judge Sandra Day O’Connor appeared headed toward unanimous Senate confirmation today as the nation’s first woman Supreme Court justice. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Strom Thurmond, R-S.C., told reporters an early challenger of the nomination , conservative Jeremiah Denton, R-Ala., had pledged an “aye” vote on confirmation. Denton voted “present” when Thurmond’s commit – tee recommended her confirmation. Thurmond mentioned other New Right abortion foes who had been persuaded to support President Reagan’s nominee and added : “I’m hoping to get a unanimous vote. I think that will he the case.” THE FOUR-HOUR Senate debate period ended without a single indication of opposition to Judge O’Connor ‘s nomination. The period was used largely for “quorum calls” ordered when there was no senator on the floor to make a speech. Often an orator had only the presiding officer, staff members and sparsely-filled galleries for. his audience. The confirmation vote was scheduled for this evening. The evaporation of conservative opposition was cheered by Democratic orators, who matched Republicans in calling for a unanimous vote – while denouncing the “single issue” (abortion) politics that had troubled some Republicans. Sen . Howard Metzenbaum, D-Ohio , said he differs with Judge O’Connor on many issues but thinks she is qualified and should not he defeated on the basis of one issue. “I hope that today there won’t be a single vote cast against her confirma – tion,” Metzenbaum