Judge Visits Capital: Red Carpet Rolled Out for O’Connor

WASHING TON – The nation’s capital is giving Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Sandra D. O’Connor red carpet treatment usually reserved for visiting dignitaries. What was supposed to be a routine round of meetings to smooth her confirmation process as a Supreme Court justice turned into a roadshow of phot.ographers, reporters, government employees and tourists trying to get a glimpse of the Phoenix woman. Wearing a lavender suit and smiling broadly, Judge O’Connor seemed t.o be enjoying the attention. MOST OF Judge O’Connor’s morning was spent in conference with Attorney General William French Smith and his assistants. Judge O’Connor and Smith met privately for an hour. Afterwards, the att.omey general told reporters there no problems are likely when the Senate considers her confirmation. , Smith speculated her confirmation vote may be unanimous. Judge O’Connor waa applauded by bystanders when she entered and left the Justice Department. AMONG THOSE at the morning meeting was Robert O’Connell, a former Phoenix attorney who now is assistant attorney general for legislative affairs. He and Judge O’Connor are longtime friends. Also at the session with Smith were White House lawyer Fred Fielding and Powell Moore, Reagan’s legislative assistant for Senate affairs. At the White House, some critics representing a group called March for Life demonstrated outside. PROTESTERS carried signs saying, “O’Connor – a person for all liberals,” “Va. says no to ‘0,’” and, “Mr. President, your staff