Reaction to the Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court (Updated)

by | Jul 9, 2018 | Editorial, Features

From the RightWisconsin special alert to newsletter subscribers:

It’s Kavanaugh

President Donald Trump has just nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be the next justice on the United States Supreme Court. Kavanaugh, if confirmed, will replace Justice Anthony Kennedy who announced his retirement at the end of the last Supreme Court session.

Kavanaugh, a current member of the D.C. Court of Appeals, is thought to be a solid conservative judge. Kavanaugh once served as Justice Kennedy’s clerk and also served Special Prosecutor Ken Starr during the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. Kavanaugh also served in the administration of President George W. Bush before he was appointed to the Court of Appeals.

The nomination of Kavanaugh will be a major issue in the U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin where Democrat Sen. Tammy Baldwin is facing a tough re-election bid against two Republican rivals, business consultant Kevin Nicholson and state Sen. Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield).

Baldwin will undoubtedly cite her support for Roe v. Wade and abortion without limits as reasons for opposing the nomination. However, Baldwin is already receiving criticism for her opposition to the nomination of Judge Gordon Giampietro because of his Catholic faith. Kavanaugh is also an active member of the Catholic church, and how Baldwin opposes Kavanaugh will be scrutinized for similar bias.

James Wigderson
Editor
RightWisconsin

 

Statement from U.S. Senate candidate Kevin Nicholson:

Now more than ever, conservatives see the importance of having Senators in Washington who will support President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee. Tammy Baldwin’s guaranteed obstruction of this nominee once again shows Wisconsin voters that she needs to go. As a conservative outsider I will help advance President Trump’s overall agenda, including advancement and approval of his nominees to the Court.

I won’t wilt under pressure, and I will push to advance the most conservative, qualified Constitutional jurists. That’s why two of the strongest Constitutional conservatives in the U.S. Senate, Ted Cruz and Mike Lee, have already endorsed me in this Senate race – because they know that I will reliably support candidates for the Supreme Court who are Originalists, and who understand that our Constitution is fundamentally a pro-life document.

 

A Twitter post from state Sen. Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield) (no other statement expected):

I’ve said it before: The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, and ‘s , Judge Brett Kavanaugh has the track record to become a strong constitutionalist justice.

 

Statement from Sen. Ron Johnson:

Bryan Steil, Republican candidate for Congress in the 1st Congressional District:

A Supreme Court justice needs to be committed to the Constitution and the rule of law. The president nominated a person who fits this description in Justice Neil Gorsuch and by all accounts has done so with Judge Brett Kavanaugh. My hope is that the Senate doesn’t play political games and executes a swift confirmation.

 

Governor Scott Walker:

Brett Kavanaugh is an excellent nominee to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. I believe he fits the criteria I look for in judicial candidates which is: a man or woman of integrity, a person who has a solid understanding of the law, and a person who understands that the role of the judiciary is to uphold the Constitution regardless of one’s personal or political beliefs.

 

House Speaker Paul Ryan:

Those who sit on the Supreme Court play a vital role in our democracy: They interpret the law and act as the final arbiter of the U.S. Constitution—even against the other branches of government. Adherence to the text of laws and the words of the Constitution serves as the check on this extraordinary power. President Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh shows his commitment to selecting judges who are themselves committed to this restraint. Judge Kavanaugh will bring extensive experience to the Supreme Court; his long career exemplifies public service and, in particular, dedication to religious liberty. He has shown that Constitutional principles are the ultimate guide for his opinions. I look forward to Judge Kavanaugh’s swift confirmation in the Senate. This is an excellent choice.

 

Rick Esenberg, President, Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty

Judge Kavanaugh is an exceptionally qualified nominee for the US Supreme Court.

There have been some conservatives who have raised questions about certain Kavanaugh opinions. They need not be concerned. It is important to keep in mind that judicial decisions must be assessed by legal – and not political – standards. Judge Kavanaugh​’s work reflects an appropriate sensitivity to the unique and limited role that judges play in our system of government. He has authored nearly 300 opinions with a proven track record of demonstrating a fidelity to the text of the U.S. Constitution and applying the law to the facts of the case, rather than invoking his political preferences. He’s written decisions defending religious freedom and the second amendment. He’s also ​shown a proper regard for the separation of powers and raised questions regarding judicial deference to the growth of the administrative state.

Confirmation processes present an opportunity to educate the public on o​ur Constitution and the role of the judiciary. I hope that Senators will focus on the law and not politics and will strive to be accurate and not hyperbolic. In particular, they should avoid the shameful misrepresentations that have too often marked the confirmation process since the egregious mischaracterization and slander of the late Judge Robert Bork. I urge Senators Baldwin and Johnson to give this nominee careful consideration that is informed and measured. He richly deserves it.

 

Senator Tammy Baldwin:

 

Wisconsin Right to Life Executive Director Heather Weininger:

“D.C. Circuit Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh is an excellent jurist, who understands that the role of judiciary is to interpret the law, not make the law,” stated Heather Weininger, Executive Director of Wisconsin Right to Life. “We thank President Trump for nominating another experienced, originalist jurist who will uphold the Constitution.”

“Unfortunately, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has already signaled that she would rather cave to pressure from the abortion lobby rather than give Judge Kavanaugh due consideration based upon his experience and qualifications,” continued Weininger. “Senator Baldwin will be held accountable for her actions during this confirmation process by Wisconsin Right to Life and our grassroots supporters.”

Wisconsin Family Action:

“The American people care deeply about strong originalists on the Supreme Court, as evidenced by the 2016 presidential election,” said Julaine Appling, Wisconsin Family Action president. “We appreciate President Trump’s continued transparency and principled process for choosing the next Supreme Court nominee and are hopeful that Judge Kavanaugh will uphold the First Amendment and the original public meaning of the Constitution.”

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