James M. Jeffords: “there is no higher legal authority in the United States than the U.S. Supreme Court. It is the final arbiter on the…”

“there is no higher legal authority in the United States than the U.S. Supreme Court. It is the final arbiter on the meaning of laws and the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court gives meaning to the scope of the right of privacy; whether Vermont's limits on campaign contributions and spending are constitutional; what is an unreasonable search and seizure; how expansive the power of the President can be; and whether Congress exceeded its power in passing a law. A Supreme Court Justice could serve for the life of the nominee, thus the consequences of confirming a Supreme Court justice last well beyond the term of the President who makes the nomination, a Senator's term, and maybe even the Senator's own life. Therefore, one of the most important votes a Senator takes is the confirmation of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. I have carefully considered the appointment of Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court and have concluded I cannot support his nomination. My first step in evaluating a nominee is to consider whether the nominee is appropriately qualified and capable of handling the position for which he or she has been nominated. Looking over Judge Alito's qualifications, it is clear this minimum standard has been met. Judge Alito has served in the U.S. Department of Justice, has been a U.S. Attorney, and for the last 15 years has been a judge on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.…”