Sen. Ben Nelson Is First Democrat to Oppose Kagan for Supreme Court
Christopher Weber
Correspondent
Posted:
07/30/10
Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) said Friday he will vote against confirming Elena Kagan as a Supreme Court justice, making him the first Democrat to oppose President Obama's nominee.
"I have heard concerns from Nebraskans regarding Ms. Kagan, and 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 in a statement. "Therefore, I will not vote to confirm Ms. Kagan's nomination."
"I have heard concerns from Nebraskans regarding Ms. Kagan, and 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 in a statement. "Therefore, I will not vote to confirm Ms. Kagan's nomination."
Nelson added that he would not join Republicans if they try to filibuster Kagan.
"In my view, this nominee deserves an up or down vote in the Senate," he said.
The Senate is expected to vote Tuesday on the nomination of the solicitor general to the high court.
Democrats have more than enough votes to confirm Kagan. Five Republicans have said they'll also vote for her.