Patrick Leahy

After this hearing is over, I hope the American people will understand that elections do matter.

The confirmation process takes on an air of vacuity and farce.

I hope you will be forthcoming in your answers so we can have the open and honest discussion of issues that the country deserves.

Unfortunately, many judges today do not see it that way but believe that they may themselves govern the Constitution.

It is an embarrassment that Senators do not insist that a nominee reveal what kind of Justice she would make by disclosing her views on important legal issues.

The Supreme Court's recent decision in Citizens United... was such a jolt to the system.

It is an awesome responsibility, and I urge the nominee to engage with this Committee and through these proceedings with the American people in a constitutional conversation about the role of the courts and our Constitution.

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.

Justice Stevens' judicial philosophy may be hard to label, but his integrity is rock solid.

As Justice Stevens wrote in his dissent, 'The Court's opinion is a rejection of the common sense of the American people.'

Presidents make their selections based on ideology.

I was very disappointed in that decision and in the Court for reaching out to change the landscape of election law in a drastic and wholly unnecessary way.

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

I believe the proliferation of guns have made this Nation less safe, not more safe.

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

The Supreme Court exists for all Americans.

He was a self-educated man. He learned much throughout his life. He had much to teach us all.

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

The current justices all share very similar professional backgrounds.

I trust you will put the interests of the American people and justice for the American people first above popular opinion or politics.

The Bork hearings were great. The Bork hearings were educational. The Bork hearings were the best thing that ever happened to constitutional democracy.

In the 170,000 pages of documents from your White House service that were turned over to this committee, there is ample evidence of your efforts to bridge the gaps, the political gaps that haunt us in America.

Solicitor General Kagan brings both moderation and pragmatism to a Court that is sorely in need of both.

I have to make my decision whether to support or not support her nomination on the basis of evidence, not on blind faith.

I hope that Elena Kagan will demonstrate through this hearing that she will be the kind of independent Justice...