Patrick Leahy actually said...

"I look forward to a thorough and fair examination of Ms. Kagan's record."

"No Senator came to care more about the Constitution or to be a more effective defendant of our constitutional Government than the senior Senator from West Virginia."

"Senator Byrd cared deeply about the Senate and the Constitution, and we cannot help but think of him as we begin this process today."

"The value of such experience depends on whether you view the Supreme Court as a political circus or view its role as crafting policy."