Jasper Journal

As I mentioned last week , I sent emails to both of my senators regarding my opposition to Elena Kagan’s nomination to the supreme court. Senator Udall acknowledged he received an email. Senator Bennet actually sent an email defending his position. I have just responded with another email to senator Bennet. In case you are interested, here is my response, and his email to me. Don’t give up the fight. Kagan’s popularity is plummeting. We must stop her!

Senator Bennet,
I appreciate your response to my concern over the nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. I must however take issue with several points you made in your email .
First, When has Elena Kagan ever given any indication of her “special concerns we in the west have?”
Second, her “distinguished career in law includes not one day as a sitting judge. Don’t you think we deserve better for the Supreme Court of the United States?
Third, Your comment about having a “third woman on the court” is downright offensive. This is not a quota system. How does having three females ensure by itself that we have a body that “ better reflects America?” Clearly you will be aware that there will be no protestants on the court. Does that reflect America? How about the fact that all the justices are from Ivy league schools. Does that reflect America? How about so many from the northeast? Does that reflect America? So her gender is the most critical factor for you ?
The hearings that you alluded to that would provide a thorough review of Ms Kagan’s record, was by any measure a joke. I know nothing more now than when they began as to how she will act as a judge. She was coached superbly by those who wanted her to come across as a blank slate. They did the same thing for Ms   and she is now showing her true self as evidenced by her recent vote against the second amendment to the constitution.
Please reconsider this vote and show us the independence you claim to have. Just because she has been nominated by this democrat white house does not make her the best qualified for this prestigious position.
Recent polls show she has the lowest ever approval for a supreme court nominee since polls began. This tells you how the American public feel. Please listen.
Thank you for reading this .
Sincerely,
James DeLoughry.
Colorado Springs Colorado

From: Michael Bennet, US Senator for Colorado [mailto:Senator_Bennet@bennet.senate.gov]
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 9:54 AM
To: security@jdeloughry.com
Subject: A message from Senator Michael Bennet

Dear James:

Thank you for contacting me regarding Elana Kagan’s nomination to serve as an Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. I appreciate hearing from you.

Coloradans want Supreme Court justices who are fair, impartial, and will faithfully apply the law. Justices should take into account the special concerns we in the West have when it comes to water rights, public lands and the role of government, and always consider how their decisions affect the everyday lives of Colorado families.
Elena Kagan has led a distinguished career in law and currently serves in the United States Department of Justice as Solicitor General, the lawyer responsible for representing the federal government before the Supreme Court. Prior to this, she served as the Dean of Harvard Law School, worked in the White House under President Clinton as Associate Counsel and as a domestic-policy aide, and clerked for Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Elena Kagan has an impressive and accomplished résumé, and adding a third woman to the Supreme Court would represent a substantial step toward making sure that the body better reflects America. I recently met with her and learned more about her qualifications, judicial philosophy and willingness to adhere to judicial precedent as the Senate confirmation process approaches. We had an insightful conversation about her jurisprudential approach toward issues important to Colorado such as water and individual rights.
The confirmation of a Supreme Court Justice is one of the most important constitutional obligations of the United States Senate. I hope we will have a civil, fair and thorough review of Ms. Kagan’s record. This process should focus on the nominee’s qualifications to serve the country on the U.S. Supreme Court.
I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States. This is a responsibility that I take very seriously. As the Senate reviews nominees to sit on the Supreme Court, I will keep your concerns in mind.
I value the input of fellow Coloradans in considering the wide variety of important issues and legislative initiatives that come before the Senate. I hope you will continue to inform me of your thoughts and concerns.
For more information about my priorities as a U.S. Senator, I invite you to visit my website at http://bennet.senate.gov/. Again, thank you for contacting me.

Sincerely,

Michael Bennet
United States Senator