Reid, Ensign speak out

Suzanne Struglinski

Wednesday, July 20, 2005 | 9:04 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., wants to review Supreme Court nominee John Roberts' record, but Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., already sees him fit for the job.

The Nevada senators' reactions reflected the party lines Tuesday after President Bush announced his selection to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

"The president has chosen someone with suitable legal credentials, but that is not the end of our inquiry, Reid said. "The Senate must review Judge Roberts' record to determine if he has a demonstrated commitment to the core American values of freedom, equality and fairness. The nominee will have an opportunity to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee and make his case to the American people."

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said Roberts "may have impressive legal credentials, but also has sharp partisan credentials that cannot be ignored."

Like most Republicans, however, Ensign had a very different take, saying Roberts "has a distinguished record and extensive experience which have earned him the utmost respect from his colleagues."

"He is extremely qualified to serve on our nation's highest court and deserves to be treated with respect as his nomination moves forward."

This will be Ensign's first chance to participate in the confirmation of a Supreme Court nominee since his election to the Senate.

"I take this responsibility very seriously and am honored to participate in what I hope will be a positive experience for the Senate and for this nation," Ensign said.

Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman said Bush's selection "has yielded a remarkably fair and impartial jurist who will undoubtedly serve the nation's highest court with the utmost integrity and respect for American jurisprudence."