Political Quotes

“I thank the Chair. Nomination Of John Roberts Mr. President, while I have the floor, I will reflect a moment on the vote we took earlier today. This vote has such weight because of its place in our system of government. The Supreme Court is a final voice on the extent of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, the demarcation of power between the legislative and executive branch of Government, and the division of power reserved for the Federal Government and the governments of the individual States. As a Member of this legislative body and in a former life as a State Governor, I am acutely aware of the importance of the lines and the consequences when they are broached. As a Member of the Senate, I do not welcome decisions overturning legislative acts that I support, but I frequently work with my colleagues to reject efforts to meddle in State affairs. As a Governor attempting to guide my State, I had to labor through many burdens placed in our way, the State's way, by an intrusive Federal Government. The judicial branch of our Government--most notably the Supreme Court--has been designated by the Constitution as the branch to maintain these divisions of power and referee the tensions between our governments. After observing Judge Roberts during the days of hearings before the Committee on the Judiciary, I am convinced the power that comes with the vote of a Supreme Court Justice will be in wise and capable hands.…”