Ben Cardin: “I wanted to come back to Judge Elrod and comment on some of the points Senator Cornyn raised in his statements on the…”

“I wanted to come back to Judge Elrod and comment on some of the points Senator Cornyn raised in his statements on the floor. As I explained to Senator Specter, at no time do I raise at all the issue of age. I don't even know Judge Elrod's age, nor should that ever be a factor in our consideration on a confirmation, and it was not in my judgment; nor do I think there is a mathematical formula as to what is an appropriate amount of experience to be qualified to be an appellate court judge; nor do I think there is a specific path that one must follow in order to become an appellate court judge. But with Judge Elrod, just look at her background and record. You would think, for an appellate court judge, you would want a nominee to have appellate court experience. She does not have it. You would think, for a Federal appellate court judge, you would want someone who has experience in our Federal courts. She doesn't have that. You would think, for a Federal appellate court judge, you would want someone who has experience in criminal law. She doesn't have that. You would expect, for someone who is going to be a nominee confirmed for the appellate court, that we would be able to evaluate her ability to express herself through opinions. We don't have that. You would expect, for an appellate court judge, we would have her speeches or articles that would explain some of her philosophy on life. We don't have that.”