The Region - News from May 19, 1986

The campaign to oust California Chief Justice Rose Elizabeth Bird is “sexist” and led by people who do not want a woman in a leadership position, Eleanor Smeal, the president of the National Organization for Women, said in Los Angeles after the California NOW political action committee announced its endorsement of Bird in her confirmation election in November. The committee also endorsed Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley in his rematch with Republican Gov. George Deukmejian. Smeal said the campaign to unseat Bird was “crucial for women” because she is the only female chief justice in the country. “She has been treated in a sexist manner,” Smeal said. “There are some who want her out because she’s a woman and she’s had the audacity to lead.”