Supreme turnabout: New Right protests Reagan’s woman court nominee; liberals hail her

President Reagan, in a break with 191 years of tradition, nominated Arizona state Court of Appeals Judge Sandra Day O’Connor to be the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Reaction to the Tuesday nomination, in fulfillment of a campaign promise by Reagan to llame a woman to one of the first vacancies on the nation’s highest court, was ironic: He was condemned by conservatives who have long sup- O’Connor ported him, but praised by liberals and feminists who have found little to commend in his administration. The Rev. Jerry Falwell, head of New Right lobby Moral Majority, said that the nomination was a “disaster.” The National Right to Life Committee, a major antiabortion group, pledged an all–0ut fight against her confirmation because of “her consistent support for legal abortion.” In contrast, the National Organization for Women hailed the nomination as a “victory for women’s rights.” Eleanor C. Smeal, president of the organization, contended that increasing political pressure from women’s groups and a drop in poll ratings among women had forced Reagan to the choice of Judge O’Connor. She rated the judge as “sensitive to women’s rights, a moderate on women’s rights.” In Phoenix, Ariz., Judge O’Connor said, “This is a momentous day in my life and the life of my family. I am extremely happy and honored to have been nominated by President Reagan for a position on . the U.S. Supreme Court. “If confirmed, I will do my best to serve