Senators vote 99-0 to confirm Judge O’Connor

WASHING TON – The Senate confirmed Sandra O’Connor of Arizona 99-0 Monday as an associate justice of the Supreme Court, ending a nearly 200-year-old all-male tradition. Only Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., who was attending a conference in his home state, did not vote. He had supported Judge O’Connor in earlier committee action. After the vote, Judge O’Connor, 51, an Arizona state appeals judge, appeared on the steps of the Capitol with Senate leaders and Vice President George Bush. Grinning jubilantly, she said she was overjoyed by the depth of Senate support for-her nomination. “My hope is that after I’ve been across the street and worked for awhile that they’ll all feel glad for the wonderful vote they gave me today,” she said. Once installed on the court, she said, “I’m going to get very busy, very fast.” Hailing a “happy and historic day,” Reagan said in a statement that the confirmation of his nominee “symbolizes the richness of opportunity that still abides in America – opportunity that permits persons of any sex, age or race, from every section and walk of life, to aspire and achieve in a manner never before even dreamed about in human history.” Judge O’Connor’s formal induction as successor to Justice Potter Stewart, who has retired, is scheduled for Friday, with Chief Justice Warren Burger to administer the oath in the marblecolumned courtroom. A luncheon is to follow at which Burger is to be host. Reagan is expected to be among the guests. Any question about the Senate’s