The Associated Press called Kagan’s confirmation a near-certainty as all Democrats and even a “handful” of Republican Senators are on board with the Solicitor General’s nomination. She would become the fourth woman to serve on the nation’s high court.
Kagan’s biggest critic Tuesday was Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, who questioned her qualifications and said Kagan would seek to push her own agenda rather than be an objective judge.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., countered that Kagan’s views are “mainstream” and that she has “demonstrated her respect for the rule of law, her appreciation for the separation of powers, and her understanding of the meaning of our Constitution.”
Kagan would replace retired Justice John Paul Stevens, who was a leader of the court’s liberal wing.