Tennessee Senators Still Uncommitted on Kagan Nomination

Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander will meet with Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan this week. It’s still uncertain whether he or Tennessee’s other Republican Senator will back her nomination.

Senator Alexander says he’ll make a decision after the Judiciary Committee casts its vote, and he meets with Kagan. Last year, Alexander voted against her nomination for Solicitor General.

“I’m concerned about her aggressive attitude to keep military recruiters off the Harvard Campus while she was Dean and for that reason I voted against her for Solicitor General but I ’m keeping an open mind on this nomination. I’ve respected the President.”

Senator Bob Corker has already met with Kagan privately, but hasn’t focused a lot on her nomination because he says he’s been tied up with financial regulatory reform. He too didn’t support Kagan for Solicitor General.

“I didn’t think her background necessarily lined up for the job last time, there were some other issues, no doubt, but I don’t make comments or statements until we have these final meetings.”

The Senate Judiciary Committee vote is scheduled for Tuesday. If Kagan gets enough support her nomination will go to the full Senate for a vote. She’s expected to win confirmation.