Graham Says Kagan Did Very Good Job’ in Hearings
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) remained tight-lipped Monday on whether he will vote for the nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court, saying he likely won’t reveal his decision until the Judiciary Committee votes next week.
Although the confirmation vote was originally scheduled for Tuesday, Republican aides said Monday evening that the GOP would ask for an extra week before her committee vote. The delay likely means Democrats may have to wait an additional week to see if Graham will break with his party for the second time to support one of President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominees.
When asked if he was ready to announce his decision, Graham demurred. “Not completely, but she did a very good job [in the hearings] I thought,” he said.
Meanwhile, ranking member Jeff Sessions’ (R-Ala.) decision to ask for a one-week delay of the committee vote is unlikely to result in any changes to Kagan’s confirmation chances, which remain very good.
The move, which will come during a formal business meeting Tuesday morning, was expected — both parties have used the tactic while in the minority to stall presidents’ picks to the Supreme Court.
Although Republicans are expected to make a renewed push against Kagan’s nomination over the next several weeks, the current solicitor general is expected to be confirmed by a wide margin.