The confirmation hearings are being chaired by Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont. During his opening statement, Leahy accused the current court of judicial activism, citing the controversial Citizens United ruling that allows corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money on election campaigns. Leahy praised Elena Kagan’s record.
Sen. Patrick Leahy: “I believe that fair-minded people will find her judicial philosophy well within the legal mainstream. I welcome questions to Solicitor General Kagan about judicial independence, but I’d urge senators on both sides to be fair. There is no basis to question her integrity. No one should presume that this intelligent woman, who has excelled during every part of her varied and distinguished career, lacks independence.”