Washington, D.C. – Harriet Miers’ withdrawal from consideration to be the next U.S. Supreme Court Justice could result in the exclusion of top notch candidates in the future, U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said.

“I’m really sorry to see her withdraw, particularly for the reason she withdrew,” said Enzi. “This could exclude a number of great future nominees.”

In a letter to the President, Miers wrote about efforts of senators to obtain executive branch materials and documents.

“I have steadfastly maintained that the independence of the Executive Branch be preserved and its confidential documents and information not be released to further a confirmation process. I feel compelled to adhere to this position, especially related to my own nomination. Protection of the prerogatives of the Executive Branch and continued pursuit of my confirmation are in tension. I have decided that seeking my confirmation should yield,” she wrote.

“A president needs to be able to get as much advice as possible before making decisions that affect all of us. The people who give him that advice should not have to worry about future appointments and the effects on the presidency that disclosure of that information would have if or when they are nominated,” Enzi said. “The appointment process has gotten so difficult few will be willing to undergo the agony.”

President Bush has already begun the process of choosing another candidate for the Supreme Court.

The next time he talks with the President, Enzi plans to emphasize the importance of academic diversity of the justices.

“I was encouraged Harriet Miers was not an Ivy League graduate and I would hope his next nominee would also fit with that in order to help balance the court,” Enzi said.

Most of the current justices have degrees from Ivy League schools.