O’Connor courts key officials to defuse opposition

WASlllNGTON (AP)-Sandra D. O’Connor, still silent on abortion and other substantive questions, is courting the nation’s political leaders In hopes of defusing any opposition to her Supreme Court nomination. ‘lbe 51-year-old Arizona appeals court judge, whose past stances on abortion and women’s rights have come under fire from conservative groups, was scheduled to meet with several key senators on Capitol Hill this afternoon, after a morning visit with Attorney General William French Smith at the Justice Department.

After their meeting, O’Connor and Smith spoke briefly to reporters. “We’re In planning my schedule for the week,” she said, adding, “It’s a great pleasure to have the opportwrity to meet with so many members of the Senate.” O’Connor was asked about the issue of abortion. She acknowledged that it was a “sensitive area,” but declined further comment. Smith said, “We don’t anticipate there should be any problem at all” with O’Connor’s confirmation. He said controversial issues, such as abortion, will be addressed “in due course.” After meeting reporters, Smith said, O’Connor was to be introduced to senior staff members of the Justice Department. Then, accompanied by the attorney general, she was to begin her courtesy calls on Capitol Hill. “I’ve tried to be candid and will continue to try to be so” in Senate Judiciary Committee hearings that now may be delayed until september, O’Connor said Monday at an airport news conference arranged by White Hous aides. “I