Elena Kagan ain't gettin' by easy!

Senate Judiciary chairman, Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.),

will oversee Elena Kagan's confirmation hearings.

The May 11 Washington Post Article, "Elena Kagan nomination for Supreme Court riles both sides of political aisle," discusses the process that wil occur in trying to get Elena Kagan confirmed. She is an interesting case because she has no prior judicial experience. Although she has great credentials, both conservatives and liberals aren't completely confident in Kagan because they don't know where she stands on a plethora of issues. She does, however, have a rich history in law--even becoming the Dean of Harvard Law School. Kagan took some heat for a state she made in the confirmation process for Solicitor General about indefinite detention of combatants not on an actual battlefield. Both sides wait eagerly for the nomination hearings.

This is relevant for a number of reasons. A position on the Supreme Court is one of the most prestigious and powerful positions in our government, and also the best way for a president to leave his legacy. The confirmation process will be both difficult and easy at the same time. Difficult becuase many Senators will be apprehensive due to not knowing where Kagan stands on the issues. It will also be somewhat easy for Kagan because she has no prior judicial decisions to defend. This confirmation would be historic because it would be the first time for there to be three women on the Supreme Court at one time. I think that Kagan will end up getting the confirmation with a little breathing room to spare.



Photo Credit: Melina Mara/the Washington Post

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By: Chris D.