Pocono News Section

Local Senators Weigh In on Supreme Court Nominee

Local Senators Weigh In on Supreme Court Nominee - Monday, May 10, 2010 at 04:09AM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday May 10 2010
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- People in our area are reacting to the president's nominee for the Supreme Court. Both Senators Bob Casey and Arlen Specter were in Scranton Monday for the swearing-in of Judge Vanaskie, the newest circuit court judge. Not far from their mind was the important vote they'll soon be facing for the future of the Supreme Court.

As Senator Casey arrived at the federal courthouse in Scranton Monday, President Barack Obama had just nominated Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be the next Supreme Court justice. I confirmed Senator Casey noted Kagan would become the third woman on the court.

He says her distinguished academic career makes her a strong contender. If she were to be confirmed, it would be a significant achievement to have that kind of diversity on the court. Being Dean of the Harvard Law School is a significant achievement in-and-of itself," said Casey.

Senator Arlen Specter, who sits on the Judiciary Committee, said he likes the fact that the president nominated someone who currently is not a jurist. The Supreme Court nominees have consistently come from the Court of Appeals, all nine justices now were on the court of appeals and I urged President Obama to choose someone with a broader background. Well, he's done that," he said.

Kagan, who is a native New Yorker, was considered to be the front-runner for the nomination. Political experts say Kagan may come under fire for her views on campaign finance reform and gays in the military.

Locally, students at the University of Scranton say they support the nomination and say it would be good to have three experienced women on the Supreme Court. Tom Swartz said, As long as they're very qualified for the job, that's whats most important I feel."

Chelsea Valentine added, I would really like to see more women on the Supreme Court but if it comes down to it, its better to be known, educated, whatever it comes down to -- who's better for the job."

Because they have 59 votes in the Senate, Democrats say its a virtual lock that Elena Kagan will win confirmation. If every Republican sticks together though, they could delay a final vote with a filibuster.