At the same time Miers was twisting in the wind, Bush created a parallel situation at the Export-Import Bank that is the talk of the bureaucracy and Capitol Hill. The three-year term as the bank's CEO for Philip Merrill, an experienced government official and businessman, expired Jan. 20 and was extended six months to July 20. The post has been vacant since then because Bush's choice, April Foley, has had difficulties getting through the clearance process and has yet to be formally nominated.
Foley is a former Ex-Im director, but her resume shows no executive experience, either corporate or governmental. Her last available campaign contribution disclosure form, in 2002, lists her as "housewife." But she was one of George W. Bush's girlfriends when they both attended Harvard Business School.
Bush overcame his predilection for pulling surprises and naming old friends with the expected and widely applauded selection of Ben Bernanke to head the Federal Reserve. Nevertheless, nobody can be sure where he will go on his second-chance Supreme Court pick.
Democratic senators are daring Bush to precipitate ideological warfare. After assailing Miers as inadequate, the Democrats now blame the extreme right for her demise and challenge the president on whether he intends to appease conservatives. If he takes the dare, he could name another Texas friend: newly confirmed Federal Appellate Judge Priscilla Owen. But Democrats have warned that any judge such as Owen who was filibustered and then confirmed under the "Gang of 14" compromise would constitute "extraordinary circumstances."
It is hardly imaginable that the president would provoke a new revolt on the right with somebody who would satisfy the Democrats. Confidence about his course is not high among Republicans, however, as he ponders his choice with his trusted adviser Harriet Miers at his side.