Legal Commentary

Demanding Answers From Sotomayor

By Big Tent Democrat

When I was at Daily Kos writing about the nominations of John Roberts and Samuel Alito to the SCOTUS, I attempted to concentrate on their views on the issues. Particularly with Roberts, I urged that the Senate demand answers on issues like privacy, executive power and other important Constitutional matters. I have never accepted the idea that because an issue could come before the Court, nominees could avoid answering questions on those matters. Unfortunately, the Sotomayor nomination discussion has been derailed by blatant sexism and racism. It should be about the issues. NYTimes' Charlie Savage reports on NARAL bringing the discussion back to the issues and demanding answers from the nominee:

Nancy Keenan, president of the National Abortion Rights Action League, urged them to pressure senators to demand that Judge Sotomayor reveal her views on privacy rights before any confirmation vote. “Discussion about Roe v. Wade will—and must—be part of this nomination process,” Ms. Keenan wrote, adding. “As you know, choice hangs in the balance on the Supreme Court as the last two major choice-related cases were decided by a five-to-four margin.”

I agree with NARAL. In addition, there are many other issues that require detailed questioning -among these executive power. Let's get back to the issues.

Speaking for me only

Full post as published by TalkLeft on May 27, 2009 (boomark / email).