CRAPOPRAISES O'CONNOR'S SERVICE

Washington, DC - Following Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's resignation from the Court, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo commended Justice O'Connor for her many years dedicated to public service as the first female justice to the Supreme Court and affirmed his support for a fair and prompt process in confirming her replacement. "Justice O'Connor has served the court well for more than twenty years and the nation owes her a debt of gratitude for her service," said Crapo. "She has held the post with dignity and intelligence, and I wish her well as she leaves public service to devote time to her family. I look forward to participating in the confirmation process in a fair-minded and just way to confirm a nominee to interpret the Constitution and respect Justice O'Connor's wish to step down." In her letter to President Bush, Justice O'Connor informed him that her resignation would become effective upon the confirmation of her replacement to the Court. The President will submit a nomination for O'Connor's replacement, which will be sent to the Senate for committee hearings and recommendation and then to the Senate floor for an up or down vote.