Attorney General Alberto Gonzales asserted Wednesday that Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers would bring “a unique brand of experience” to the high court and would ease concerns of her conservative critics. The White House confirmed that some potential candidates for the post had asked that their names be withdrawn.

Gonzales, himself once considered a leading candidate for a vacancy there, said there is “nothing unique or earth-shattering” about Miers’ nomination and said people should give her time to say who she is and what she believes.