Kay Hagan: “I am here today to speak in support of Solicitor General Elena Kagan's nomination to be an Associate Justice of the…”

“I am here today to speak in support of Solicitor General Elena Kagan's nomination to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Solicitor General Kagan's background demonstrates that she is an extremely well-qualified nominee and has a brilliant legal mind. She has the utmost respect for precedent and believes in fidelity to the law. I believe she will make our Nation proud as a Justice on the Supreme Court. I have always said I do not believe there should be any one litmus test for judicial nominees. We have to look at a nominee's record in its entirety. Solicitor General Kagan's record is nothing short of remarkable. With over 20 years of legal experience and government service, she has distinguished herself throughout her career with the highest integrity and sound judgment. In the 220-year history of the Supreme Court, 111 Justices have served on the bench. Yet only three have been women. It took almost two centuries--close to 200 years--before the first woman, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, was confirmed to the Supreme Court. Solicitor General Kagan's professional achievements are clear.”