Senator Murkowski Endorses John Roberts to be Chief Justice of the United States
SENATOR MURKOWSKI ENDORSES JOHN ROBERTS TO BE CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE UNITED STATES
Senator Lisa Murkowski tonight spoke on the Senate Floor announcing her support for Judge John Roberts to be Chief Justice of the United States.
"It is unquestionable that Judge Roberts is eminently qualified to take on the position of Chief Justice," Murkowski said. "His impeccable legal resume, encyclopedic recitation of the law, and his solid record as both a lawyer and a judge void of an ideological agenda indicate that he will be a thoughtful and impartial Chief Justice."
Murkowski noted that as an attorney, John Roberts represented Alaska in cases to defend Alaska's Sex Offender Registry, Alaska's right to submerged lands, and most notably a case involving Indian Country and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. "While retained by the State of Alaska, Roberts eagerly traveled by skiff in the Tongass National Forest, chit-chatted with fishing boat captains about local concerns, and practiced the pronunciation of Native village names," Murkowski said. "Alaskans are fortunate to have a nominee who understands Alaska's unique landscape, people and laws."
Murkowski also spoke about her respect for Roberts' pledge to uphold the law without serving a political agenda. "Judge Roberts has explicitly assured us that his respect for law and legal principle vastly outweighs his personal values, views, or loyalty to anyone or anything other than the rule of law," Murkowski said. "Judge Roberts has stated repeatedly that he would bring no agenda to his work as Chief Justice. He stated he would judge each issue on its merits and approach each case with an open mind; that legal precedent and not his personal views would be his guide.
"Perhaps more than any other recent nominee, Judge Roberts has demonstrated a sound understanding and appreciation of the role of a Justice and the necessary constraints within which the third branch of government should operate. Today, I call on my Senate colleagues to take a step back from our politically-charged setting to consider fairly a man who is incredibly qualified to be the Chief Justice." The Senate plans to vote on the nomination of John Roberts to be Chief Justice on Thursday, September 29.
http://murkowski.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=246501