Then why hasn't a single one of them stated this publicly? And the only nominee I had seen, though not verified, that withdrew her name for consideration is Priscilla Owen.
Ok jla...I want you to think about this for just a moment.
You've been put through the wringer for several years going through a confirmation process on a lower court. The press hounds you, digs into you background, hassles your friends, relatives, third grade teacher, accountant and landscaper. You're tired, you're worn out, you just want to settle into your new home, get your kids and family settled into some kind of life.
Then, the President calls. Tells you he'd like to nominate you to the Supreme Court. You look at your wife and kids. You know that you once ate paste in third grade, and you bounced a check to the landscaper in 1971 and had to take antidepressants for a brief time during the Carter administration.
And you say thanks but no thanks. I want to keep a low profile until all the hysteria dies down.
Now...why would this person want to wander out in front of the press to say he/she didn't want the job again? Do you think the press might be just a tad curious as to WHY you didn't want to be considered?
Do you think the press would be hesitant to splash banner headlines declaring that "JLA unfit to serve due to paste eating...impeachment proceedings to commence immediately" to ensure you would NEVER be nominated to SCOTUS, and even better damage that evil President Bush in the process so that the charges of "corruption" that are going to be very prominent in the next election cycle will have more fuel?
That is the way of the Washington press corp. They are part of the axis of evil...it's just that we forget when we happen to agree with them.
And that is also why, in my opinion, you don't go running to the press to excuse yourself from consideration under most circumstances. Priscilla Owens was a brave woman. But I believe she outed herself BEFORE all the controversy hit, and that makes a world of difference.