Newspapers around the country comment on O’Connor nomination

“This precedent-setting appointment … marks another welcome advance for equal treatment of women under the law. A final judgment on Mrs. O’Connor’s qualifications must await the Senate confirmation process. But it can already be said that in acting t.o end the male-only monopoly on the Supreme Court, President Reagan has achieved a longneeded first for America.” Buffalo Evening News “President Reagan has shown great courage and a sense of balance . The president refused t.o be bullied by the nation’s far right and pro-life groups who fear that Judge O’Connor will not bend the law in their direction. The president has made a wise choice in Sandra O’Connor. She appears t.o be well qualified and it is long past time for a woman to take a seat on the Supreme Court.” Fort Lauderdale News . “Mrs. O’Connor’s political beliefs are probably more conservative than we would like; after all, she is a Republican . But indications are that she is nuly a ‘class’ person who can handle the challenge. Her being the first woman nominated t.o the Supreme Court . , . – is historic, but more important than her sex is that she be qualified for the job. At this time, she surely appears to be.” Atlanta Constitution “President Reagan’s choice … fulfills Mr. Reagan’s campaign pledge t.o put a woma.n on the nation’s highest tribunal. Americans will hope that the appoint – ment represents something more and there is reason t.o believe it does. Judge O’Connor commands legal and judicial credentials that