Senators Greet Choice Favorably; Abortion Foes Irate

WASHINGTON – Antiabortion groups yesterday denounced the nomination of Judge Sandra D. O’Connor to the Supreme Court and vowed to fight her confirmation, but no Senate members immediately stepped forward to lead such a fight and the initial reaction to the nomination was favorable. “I commend the President for the courage of his decision,” said Sen. Howard H. Baker Jr., the majority leader. “I am delighted with his choice, and I pledge my full support for her confirmation by the full Senate.” The National Right to Life Committee, an amalgam of anti-abortion lobbying groups, said it would mobilize its members to “prevail upon senators to oppose this nomination” on the ground that O’Connor was “pro-abortion” as a member of the Arizona Legislature. “We feel betrayed by the President,” said Paul Brown, chairman of the Life Amendment Political Action Committee, who contended that Mr. Reagan violated a campaign pledge to support anti-abortion positions and appointees. In contrast, the National Organization for Women hailed the nomination as a “victory for women’s rights.” Eleanor C. Smeal, president of the organization, rated the judge as “sensitive to women’s rights, a moderate on women’s rights.” The only sitting Supreme Court justice to comment was Harry Blackmun. Blackmun said the appointment “has been anticipated for some time.” He said he did not know O’Connor personally, but had heard “very favorable” reports about her. Any ‘Senate opposition was thought likely to be led by