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Senator Nelson Opposes Kagan Confirmation

07/31/10-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
Senator Ben Nelson has come out in opposition to the nomination, and confirmation, of Elena Kagan as Supreme Court Justice. It should not be surprising given that the Nebraska Senator has been opposed to practically everything that the Democrats have been put forward, and leaves one begging the question, why does he not just join the Republicans already and get it over with?

Senator Nelson’s decision to oppose Kagan’s confirmation does not imperil her chances of winning her seat on the Court. In fact, even if Blanch Lincoln, who is likely to not be returning to the Senate next term, were to also oppose her confirmation, so far, five Republicans have voiced their support. This means that they will be able to shut down debate and have a full vote on the nomination.

Senator Nelson has, ostensibly, opposed many of the things that the Democrats have put forward on the basis of them being opposed by his constituents, but that has not always been completely accurate as many of the people in his own state supported healthcare reforms, something he held up rather badly. Nelson has stated that he is getting letters from his constituents that they are unhappy with the Kagan nomination, but that he cannot defend her because of her lack of judicial experience. Truthfully, the only people who have been vehemently opposed to Kagan are those on the extreme Right who are opposed to anyone that Obama nominates, or anything that the Democrats propose.

Perhaps it really is time for Senator Nelson to just give up being a Democrat and join the Republican Party. It would be a more natural fit for him.