Bob Kerrey: “On April 25, 2000 the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments in the Carhart v. Stenberg case. As a lifelong…”

“On April 25, 2000 the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments in the Carhart v. Stenberg case. As a lifelong Nebraskan, I have received several requests to take a prominent public position with regard to this case, including a request that I file an amicus brief, also known as a ``friend of the court'' brief in this case. I am honored by these requests, but remain determined not to become officially involved in this case before the Supreme Court. I have come to believe that active involvement in matters before the courts, particularly the U.S. Supreme Court, would be an ineffective use of the power of the Senate office which I hold in trust for all Nebraskans. However, I do not want my silence and absence from these amicus briefs to be mistaken for something that it is not. Because I have had several opportunities as a Nebraska Senator to debate this issue, and because this landmark case before the Supreme Court affects Nebraskans directly, I feel compelled to explain to Nebraskans my thoughts on this important issue. It is my sincere belief that the Eight Circuit's decision should be sustained.”