“This morning, when the Senate begins confirmation hearings on Solicitor General Elena Kagan’s nomination to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court, the nation will see an eminently qualified candidate with an extraordinary legal mind, a towering intellect, a deep commitment to equal justice, and a proven ability to bring together people with diverse views.

The hearing should be without controversy, because General Kagan will impress. She has a remarkable record as a practicing attorney, a law school professor, the first woman Dean of Harvard Law School, and our nation’s first woman Solicitor General. Her proud history of public service and thoughtful approach to legal issues make her a superb choice for our highest court. We are confident that she recognizes the importance of the right to privacy, and fair education, employment and welfare policies. She should be confirmed.

Our nation is on the verge of something that was unimaginable not long ago: A Supreme Court with three female justices. We pay a lot of attention to firsts in this country, but the tipping point, when gender is no longer an issue, is also worthy of note. Senate confirmation of Elena Kagan would bring us to that point. We anticipate a hearing at which the Solicitor General impresses every Senator who has a fair and open mind, followed by a majority vote for confirmation. The Supreme Court — and the nation — will be stronger for it.”

Read the National Partnership’s letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee.