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Democrats cheer, Republicans cautious on Kagan

Elena Kagan's nomination to the Supreme Court has brought immediate cheers from some Senate Democrats, while Republicans say she must answer questions about her background before they vote.
/ Source: The Associated Press

Elena Kagan's nomination to the Supreme Court has brought immediate cheers from some Senate Democrats, while Republicans say she must answer questions about her background before they vote.

Democrats like Sens. Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Ben Cardin of Maryland say Kagan has "impressive" and "broad" legal credentials. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts called Kagan an "extraordinary trailblazer" and said "she will be an extraordinary Supreme Court Justice for a very long time."

Republicans said uniformly they will question Kagan about her lack of judicial experience and whether she will be a rubber stamp for President Barack Obama.

GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas says it is their duty to "give Ms. Kagan's record a full and fair review."