Elena Kagan, President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee began a week of intense examination Monday by a Senate panel that will scrutinize her qualifications for a life term on the country’s highest legal authority.
Republicans are planning to focus on Kagan’s lack of judicial experience and liberal political background.
However, Kagan is expected to win approval from the Democrat-dominated panel and conformation by the full Senate.
If confirmed, Kagan would be the fourth woman to take seat on the high court. She would also be Obama’s second justice selection in his short stint in office.
Kagan now serves as Obama’s solicitor general, the country’s top lawyer who represents the government in cases before the Supreme Court.
If appointed Kagan says, “I will listen hard, to every party before the Court and to each of my colleagues. I will work hard. And I will do my best to consider every case impartially, modestly, with commitment to principle, and in accordance with law.”
