On October 27, 2005, US Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination, expressing concern that the confirmation process would present "a burden for the White House and our staff that is not in the best interest of the country." Miers went on to say that efforts to obtain documents during her service in the White House as legal counsel to the president contributed to her decision. Miers' withdrawal follows criticism of her ideological credentials by conservative groups, Senators' frustration at her limited answers to written questions and reservations expressed by Republican legal staff on the US Senate Judiciary Committee. Miers was nominated by President George W. Bush to replace Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Bush later nominated Samuel Alito, who still holds the seat.

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