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2010-08-01 Home Front: Politix

Nebraska's Nelson Becomes First Democrat to Oppose Kagan for Supreme Court

Democratic Senator Ben Cornhusker Kickback Nelson of Nebraska said he will vote against confirming Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming the first in his party to announce opposition.

Also today, Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire said he will vote for President Barack Obama's nominee, the fifth Republican to do so.

Nelson said he had heard "concerns" from people in Nebraska about Kagan. "Her lack of a judicial record makes it difficult for me to discount the concerns raised by Nebraskans, or to reach a level of comfort that these concerns are unfounded," Nelson said. "Therefore, I will not vote to confirm Ms. Kagan's nomination."

Still, Nelson said he would oppose any filibuster of Kagan's nomination and favor allowing an "up or down vote." It takes 60 votes to force a final vote. With 59 votes controlled by Democrats and five Republicans in support, Kagan's nomination would have enough to end a Republican filibuster.

In announcing his support for Kagan, Gregg said she "has pledged that she will exercise judicial restraint and decide each case that comes before her based on the law, with objectivity and without regard to her personal views."

"Ms. Kagan and I may have different political philosophies, but I believe that the confirmation process should be based on qualifications, not ideological litmus tests or political affiliation," Gregg said.

Republican Senators Lindsey Endangered South Carolina RINO Graham of South Carolina, Richard Lugar of Indiana and Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine also have announced their support for Kagan. The Senate plans to vote on confirmation next week.

Posted by Fred 2010-08-01 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11141 views ] Top

#1 Gonna need a few more 'no' votes.

Posted by Iblis 2010-08-01 00:54|| 2010-08-01 00:54|| Front Page Top

#2 The country will be sorry if Kagan is confirmed. She is an idealogue who will put personal beliefs about social justice before law. I'm wondering why Pubs and conservative Dems don't oppose her. She is a radical with little experience.

Posted by JohnQC 2010-08-01 10:32|| 2010-08-01 10:32|| Front Page Top

#3 Nelson said he had heard "concerns" from people in Nebraska about Kagan

As opposed to hearing "concerns" back when he voted for Obamacare.

His vote is a gesture of sound and fury...

Posted by Pappy 2010-08-01 13:46|| 2010-08-01 13:46|| Front Page Top

#4 Karl,
Pass the popcorn.
Jimmy, its gonna get better before the vote.
I think she gets confirmed by boy howdy the screams and yells, the cries of indignation are going to be fun to watch

Posted by James Carville/Karl Rove 2010-08-01 14:34|| 2010-08-01 14:34|| Front Page Top

#5 I heard Lindsey Graham is supporting her nomination...

Posted by Broadhead6 2010-08-01 21:11|| 2010-08-01 21:11|| Front Page Top

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