Lincoln Statement on Vote to Confirm Solicitor General Elena Kagan for Supreme Court

Statement

U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) today issued the following statement after voting in favor of the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan as the next Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

"As a U.S. Senator, I have a responsibility under the Constitution to determine if nominees to the Supreme Court are qualified for the job. In making this determination, I consider a nominee's knowledge of the Constitution and the law as well as their ability to be deliberate and to hear every case that comes before them impartially and without personal bias.

"I believe Ms. Kagan passes that test and that she is qualified to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

"I have made this decision after carefully reviewing the Judiciary Committee record on her nomination and visiting with Ms. Kagan personally on two occasions to discuss her nomination. I was impressed with her knowledge, humility, and candidness, and I believe she was as forthcoming in our conversations as any individual whose Supreme Court nomination I have considered.

"As I have said with previous Supreme Court nominees selected by two different Presidents, I won't agree with every decision that he or she makes. However, the standard for evaluating Supreme Court nominees should be whether he or she is qualified for the job and is prepared to place the law and the integrity of our Constitution ahead of any personal or political beliefs he or she may have. I believe Ms. Kagan meets that standard which is why I will support her confirmation."

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