By Jill Morrison
Washington, DC – New York Democratic Senator Charles Schumer has US Supreme Court nominee Judge John Roberts on his mind. Schumer spoke Thursday in Washington urging the nominee to reveal his true feelings on the law in the upcoming Senate confirmation hearings.
Senator Schumer voted against John Robert's confirmation to the Washington, DC Court Of Appeals in 2003. New York's senior senator says he could support Roberts this time if he openly discusses his feelings on cases rather than evade questions.
"The key is for Judge Roberts to answer questions to answer questions fully and forthrightly and to avoid relying on any false precedent to avoid informing the American people of his views as he seeks to ascend to the most important court in the land," Schumer said.
Schumer especially wants to know Roberts' opinions on previously decided cases, but fears the nominee will refuse to answer these questions.
But devastation on the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Katrina had some members of Schumer's audience wondering if the confirmation hearings should be postponed. Then Congress could focus on relief efforts. Schumer says it's important for the Judiciary Committee to proceed since their decision will affect Americans for generations.
"I think we have to proceed on this basis that we can do two things at once," Schumer said. "We have to."
The confirmation process -- and Schumer's questioning -- is scheduled to begin Tuesday. Jill Morrison Reporter Capitol News Connection with Public Radio International 202-498-2814 jmorrison@cncnews.org http://www.pri.org/cncnews/