Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman voted to confirm Solicitor General Elena Kagan as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.  She was approved 63-37.

Bingaman praised Kagan for her diverse legal background and distinguished careers in academia and government.

"I met with Ms. Kagan and closely followed her confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee.  She clearly demonstrated that she has the right temperament for the position and that her legal views are well within the mainstream of judicial thought.  Ms. Kagan also affirmed her commitment to interpret the law with fidelity, and demonstrated that she understands how the decisions of the Court have a very real impact on the lives and liberties of Americans," Bingaman said.  "I strongly believe Ms. Kagan has the qualifications necessary to be an excellent Justice of the Supreme Court."

Kagan served as faculty member at the University of Chicago Law School, as a former Dean of the Harvard Law School, as a clerk to former Justice Thurgood Marshall, as a White House aide to former President Bill Clinton, and in her current position, as Solicitor General of the United States.

Bingaman noted that Kagan has been lauded by individuals across the political spectrum for her ability to build consensus and for her respect for those with differing views.  For example, she has received support from eight former Solicitors General of both parties, including Ken Starr and Ted Olsen.  At Harvard, she worked to hire conservative faculty members, ensuring that the students received a board knowledge base.

Watch Bingaman's floor speech in which he announces his support for Kagan.