05.10.10

Durbin Statement on Nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) made the following statement regarding the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the United States Supreme Court.

“I applaud President Obama's decision to nominate Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court.

Ms. Kagan is a remarkable lawyer who has worked in private practice, clerked for Illinois’ own Judge Abner Mikva and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, served as a Senate staff member and worked in the Executive Branch.  She has also blazed a trail for women in America -­ not only as the first woman to serve as Dean of the Harvard Law School but also as the first woman to serve as our nation's Solicitor General.

President Obama said he wanted someone on the high court who understood the impact of the law on average Americans, and I believe the depth and breadth of Ms. Kagan's experience will allow her that perspective.

I look forward to hearing Ms. Kagan’s testimony in the Judiciary Committee.  I hope and expect she will receive quick confirmation in the United States Senate.”