Sandra Day O’Connor Full of Tributes, Love

The novelist who once observed “you can’t go home again” never knew Sandra O’Connor. America’s first woman Supreme Court justice came home to Phoenix in grand style Wednesday for one last round of send-offs from the admiring friends and co-workers of a quartercentury climaxed by a glittering banquet attended by a veritable “who’s who” of the state’s business, civic, political and judicial establishment. IT WAS a poignant moment, for her new lifetime job in Washington never will allow her to be much more than a visitor to her native state. “She steps out of our midst,” said Gov. Bruce Babbitt, host for the $50- a-plate dinner which sold out in three days, “and into the pages of American Picture On Page A-4 history. We will all miss you very much.” But he added, the justice leaves behind an inspiration “that it’s still possible for the American dream to come true.” Although she had been plucked by President Reagan to a new home a continent away and the highest position ever held by an American woman, Justice O’Connor told the tuxedoed audience of 850 home is still where the – heart is. “ARIZON A IS a land of oppor- . tunity and happiness,” she said. “It is my home because it is where you are. I love Arizona, and I love all of you.” She pledged to spend “the rest of my professional life trying to do everything I can to justify the president’s confidence in me.” And with a reference to one of Reagan’s bestknown movie roles, she added, “I, too, want to win one for the Gipper.” In