Senator Feinstein to question Roberts' stance on abortion rights

[friesianrider]

SAN JOSE, California (AP) -- California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whose vote on Supreme Court nominee John Roberts could guide other Democrats, said Monday she will scrutinize his views on abortion and congressional authority to set social policy.

She called the impending debate over Roberts' nomination a "big, big deal."

"I don't think in the last couple of decades there has been a Supreme Court appointment that could more tip the balance of the court," Feinstein said in a speech to several hundred Silicon Valley business executives. "That's how mega this vote is."

As the only woman on the 18-member committee, Feinstein said she has a "special role and a special obligation" in grilling Roberts -- particularly on his views about the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion.

"I happen to feel that it would be very difficult for me to vote yes on a nominee I thought would overturn Roe vs. Wade," she said.

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http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/08/23/roberts.feinstein.ap/index.html

We should all consider sending her some appreciation for this - I'm concerned many Democrats just don't see this issue as "worth" fighting for.

[Devil Dog Dem]

1. Boy, I'm sure she'll ask tough questions.

Sarcasm.

[Cleita]

3. Yeah, it'll depend on what she gets out of it I'm afraid.n/t

[Bluebear]

2. She'll question him before approving him.

Who is running against her for Senate?

[Cleita]

4. Nobody that I know of yet. I hope someone does.

Any other DUers out there who want to run against Feinstein? If you do we should brainstorm a campaign for you.

[Devil Dog Dem]

5. I can't stand her. She is among the worst of the weak Dems.

Her, Lieberman, Biden, Bahy, Mikulski.

[wildflower]

6. I'm glad (and admittedly a bit surprised) to hear this...

Thank you for posting this. I agree, positive reinforcement can only help.

-wildflower