Senator Lisa Murkowski Comments on the Death of Chief Justice Rehnquist; Nomination of John Roberts to be Chief Justice

SENATOR LISA MURKOWSKI COMMENTS ON THE DEATH OF CHIEF JUSTICE REHNQUIST; NOMINATION OF JOHN ROBERTS TO BE CHIEF JUSTICE

Senator Lisa Murkowski today issued the following statement on the death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist and the nomination of Judge John Roberts to be the next Chief Justice of the United States.

"I join with my colleagues in expressing my deepest sympathy to Chief Justice Rehnquist's family. For thirty-three years, Chief Justice Rehnquist honorably served Americans on the United States Supreme Court. Justice Rehnquist's record of public service, from his time in the Army Air Corps during World War II to his tenure on the Supreme Court, was that of a committed, thoughtful American, who inspired two generations of his countrymen.

"From advocating for free speech to being a strong proponent of states' rights, Chief Justice Rehnquist was present for some of the Court's most significant opinions. I know that the Chief Justice will be greatly missed for his fairness, conviction, humor and jovial nature.

"With two vacancies on the Supreme Court, it is important that a Chief Justice be in place when the new term begins in October.

"Clearly the President believes Justice Roberts has the integrity and credentials to serve as the leader of the nation's highest court. I look forward to the beginning of his nomination hearings and to a fair and expeditious process."

http://murkowski.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=245235