Justice O’Connor credits success to ex-colleagues

Supreme Court Justice Sandra O’Connor, honored as Arizona’s home-grown heroine in daylong festivities Wednesday, credited former colleagues and officials for their ability to look beyond her gender for her eventual rise to the high court. “I found in Phoenix not discrimination, but encouragement; not just an opportunity for women to follow, but an opportunity for women to lead,” the former state senator and Arizona Court of Appeals judge said. “It’s not Sandra O’Connor who brought honor to the state of Arizona, it’s the state of Arizona which has brought honor to Sandra O’Connor. And I thank all of you for the part you’ve played in that.” Justice O’Connor, the first…woman appointed to the Supreme Court, was applauded by a long list of dignitaries, including Sen. Dennis DeConcini., Rep. John Rhodes and Gov. Bruce Babbitt. Her day culminated with a lavish banquet at the Arizona Biltmore attended by 850 invited guests. She also was honored by her husband, John, .who voiced his pride. He also noted his own unique status in Washington when he told the audience that he’s the chief executive of the most exclusive men’s club – the Men’s Auxiliary of the Supreme Court. Earlier in the day, at the state Capitol Mall, Justice O’Connor received accolades and gifts from Babbitt, former legislative and judicial colleagues and Phoenix organizations. In her remarks, she praised Phoenix Mayor Margaret Hance, saying with a smile that the mayor is proof that “a woman can do a reasonably good