In response to your Nov. 7 editorial "Population Politics1" and the Nov. 17 Letter to the Editor "How U.N. Population Fund Rescues Women2":

President Bush recently nominated Ellen Sauerbrey for the position of assistant secretary of state for Population, Refugees and Migration. At this post, responsibilities include organizing and coordinating the delivery of aid to refugees of war, victims of persecution and natural disasters, and overseeing the permanent admittance and resettlement of refugees in the U.S.

In order to hold this position, then, an assistant secretary should have ample leadership abilities, a relentless drive for clear, substantial results, attentiveness to cost-efficiency, and a philanthropic mindset. Ellen Sauerbrey has these qualities.

I know her record, I know her work, and I know her. In the course of working with her on the U.S. delegation to the U.N. Human Rights Commission, I concluded that she is an established expert with broad experience. She is energetic, charming and serious.

Ms. Sauerbrey has served as U.S. representative to the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations, where she combated the HIV/AIDS pandemic and human trafficking. Through her efforts she demonstrated an understanding of the value of human life and the importance of order and freedom in the world. This recognition and appreciation is and will be vitally important for accomplishing the necessary goals while aiding refugees.

Ms. Sauerbrey twice ran for governor of Maryland and was narrowly defeated. In the 1998 race, she came within four- tenths of 1% of her opponent, Parris Glendening. You do not lose narrowly in a gubernatorial race without a commitment to the work ethic, credentials and drive necessary for leadership posts, and you don't win a gubernatorial nomination without experience.

The charge against the nomination of Ms. Sauerbrey, which is primarily based upon the argument that she does not have enough experience, is not serious. It is shaky and ill-informed at best. She has the necessary ambition, attitude and experience to act as assistant secretary of state for Population, Refugees and Migration. She will work hard and do a good job. I fully support the president's nomination of her.

Jeane J. Kirkpatrick is a senior fellow at AEI.