Thursday, October 27, 2005

Goodbye, Harriet

From her withdrawal letter:

As you know, members of the Senate have indicated their intention to seek documents about my service in the White House in order to judge whether to support me.***

Repeatedly in the course of the process of confirmation for nominees for other positions, I have steadfastly maintained that the independence of the Executive Branch be preserved and its confidential documents and information not be released to further a confirmation process.

I feel compelled to adhere to this position, especially related to my own nomination. Protection of the prerogatives of the Executive Branch and continued pursuit of my confirmation are in tension.
A pretext, to be sure, but a revealing one: her farewell letter as a paean to the absolute supremacy of the Executive Branch.

Meanwhile, my friend Deborah suggests a new job for her.