Helms calls Judge O’Connor fine lady, is silent on support

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., the chief Senate crusader against abortion, Thursday called Sandra O’Connor a “very fine lady” but declined to say if he will oppose her confirmation as the first woman Supreme Court justice. After a 35-minute meeting with President Reagan’s choice for the high court, Helms – who has declined to “prejudge” Judge O’Connor despite opposition to her from his right-wing allies across the country – was careful in mnswering reporters’ questions. When Helms and Judge O’Connor emerged from his office to have their pictures taken, Helms was asked about the meeting, and the usually articulate senator, searching for the right words, replied, “Well, I hope we have many more meetings. I look forward to following this lady’s career.” Asked if he is going to help her career he replied, “Why should I do othe~? She’s a very fine lady.” But he would not say whether be will vote to confirm her or lead any opposition. When reporters pressed Helms for elaboration, the senator retreated foto bis office without answering, and aides shut the door on reporters. Judge O’Connor would say only, “We had a productive meeting.” Before meeting with Judge O’Connor, Helms met at the White House with Reagan, a Helms aide confirmed Thursday. The aide would not say if Helms discussed the O’Connor nomination with Reagan. But the president has urged Helms repeatedly not to oppose the nomination, the aide said, and there has been widespread speculation that White House aides