President Bush has "reluctantly" accepted the withdrawal of Harriet Miers to replace Sandra Day O'Connor on the nation's highest court.

Miers believes her efforts to seek the position may compromise the independence of the Executive Branch and its possession of confidential documents and information. She wrote, in part, "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. I have been informed repeatedly that in lieu of records, I would be expected to testify about my service in the White House to demonstrate my experience and judicial philosophy. While I believe that my lengthy career provides sufficient evidence for consideration of my nomination, I am convinced the efforts to obtain Executive Branch materials and information will continue."

Bush issued a statement shortly after Miers' letter: "Today, I have reluctantly accepted Harriet Miers' decision to withdraw her nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States."

He continued, "I nominated Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court because of her extraordinary legal experience, her character, and her conservative judicial philosophy. Throughout her career, she has gained the respect and admiration of her fellow attorneys. She has earned a reputation for fairness and total integrity. She has been a leader and a pioneer in the American legal profession. She has worked in important positions in state and local government and in the bar. And for the last five years, she has served with distinction and honor in critical positions in the Executive Branch."

President Bush has promised a swift replacement nominee.