 If confirmed by the Senate, Kagan would become the third woman on
the high court. At 50, she is relatively young for the lifetime post
and could help shape the high court's decisions for decades.The
former Harvard Law School dean "is widely regarded as one of the
nation's foremost legal minds," Obama said. He introduced her in the
White House East Room as "my friend."
Kagan said she was "honored and humbled by this nomination." She
called it "the honor of a lifetime."
"I look forward to working with the Senate, and thank you, Mr.
President, for this honor of a lifetime."
Obama cited what he called Kagan's "openness to a broad array of
viewpoints" and her "fair-mindedness."
In a statement issued before Kagan had completed her remarks, the
lawmaker who will preside over her confirmation hearing, Democratic
Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, said, "The Senate should confirm Ms.
Kagan before" Labor Day.
"Our constituents deserve a civil and thoughtful debate on this
nomination, followed by an up-or-down vote," he said.
The Republican leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said his
party would make sure there was a "thorough process, not a rush to
judgment" on the nomination.
"Judges must not be a rubber stamp for any administration. Judges
must not walk into court with a preconceived idea of who should
win," he said, adding that Republicans would have a vigorous debate
on that principle.
[Associated Press]
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