Patrick Leahy actually said...

"we have an obligation not to base our decision on empty political slogans or on charges of guilt by association or on any litmus test."

"I would like to see a Supreme Court justice who is able to go into the back room where the justices meet and where no ordinary citizens are present and bring some real world perspective to the room."

"The courts are not subsidiaries of any political party or interest group, and our judges should not be partisans."

"I believe that the most important qualification for judicial service is the nominee's judicial philosophy or her approach to interpreting and applying the law to decide cases."