Conservatives Applaud Trump's SCOTUS Pick

CNSNews
Melanie Arter 7/9/18

(CNSNews.com) - Conservatives on Monday praised President Donald Trump for nominating D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Brett Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy for the U.S. Supreme Court.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said Kavanaugh “has shown that Constitutional principles are the ultimate guide for his opinions.” 

“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,” Ryan said. 

“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,” the speaker said.
“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,” Ryan added. 

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) pledged to “lift heaven and Earth” to get Cavanaugh confirmed. 

“As the longest-serving member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have been deeply involved in the last fifteen Supreme Court confirmation fights — including the confirmations of all current Supreme Court justices. When evaluating judicial nominees, I have focused on the nominees’ qualifications,” Hatch said in a statement. 

“One of the most important qualifications for any Supreme Court nominee is his judicial philosophy and whether he understands the proper role of the judiciary. In this particular regard, Judge Kavanaugh is an outstanding choice. I know Kavanaugh from his previous confirmation to the D.C. Circuit. He is one of our nation’s most distinguished and influential jurists,” the senator said. 

“During his more than 12 years on the bench, Judge Kavanaugh has authored hundreds of opinions on issues ranging from national security to agency rulemaking to constitutional rights. He has shown a deep commitment to the separation of powers and to the Bill of Rights. He will be a strong, principled voice on the Supreme Court,” Hatch said. 

“I am also confident that Kavanaugh has the right judicial philosophy. A nominee’s judicial philosophy is critical. It must be consistent with the judiciary’s place in our system of government and the separation of powers. The Constitution established a government of limited powers, with each of the three branches of government having a set role to play,” Hatch continued. 

Hatch predicted that during the confirmation process, “progressives will undoubtedly try to focus on outcomes in cases rather than on whether Kavanaugh will interpret the law as it was written.” 

“But focusing on policy outcomes over judicial philosophy distorts what judges do. Judges must be impartial and must fairly apply the law as written, without imposing their own preferences on the process,” he said. 

“Judge Kavanaugh understands the proper role of the judiciary and will faithfully honor the Constitution. That’s why I will lift heaven and Earth to see that he is confirmed. In the weeks to come, I will fight every day to ensure that Judge Kavanaugh receives a fair hearing. I have no doubt that he will serve our nation honorably on the Supreme Court,” Hatch concluded. 

The American Center for Law and Justice called Trump’s decision to nominate Kavanaugh a “superb choice” that will serve the nation well. 

“Judge Kavanaugh is a brilliant jurist who embraces the philosophy of our Founders - an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution. We expect the Senate to exercise its constitutional duty to provide ‘advice and consent’ without delay.” ACLJ Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow. 

“While there is certain to be biased and vitriolic political attacks directed at this nominee, we believe Judge Kavanaugh’s character, experience, and judicial temperament will be well received by the American people. We are confident that the Senate will confirm Judge Kavanaugh and we look forward to him being seated in time for the start of the Supreme Court’s new term in October,” Sekulow added. 

Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said Trump “hit a home run” by nominating Kavanaugh. 

“President Trump stood up for the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law with this nomination. Judge Kavanaugh has a demonstrated record of applying the rule of law rather than legislating from the bench. His record shows Judge Kavanaugh will apply the U.S. Constitution as written and intended by our Founding Fathers,” Fitton said in a statement. 

He called it “a great victory for constitutional government and a blow to politicized decision-making on the Supreme Court.”
“We have too many politicians as it is in DC, we certainly don’t need any more on the Supreme Court. Most Americans agree with Judge Kavanaugh that the Supreme Court should apply the law as it is written and leave the legislating to the people’s elected representatives in Congress,” Fitton said. 

He urged the Senate to “move quickly” to work with the president to consider and approve Kavanaugh. 

“There is not much radical liberals can do to stop this excellent Supreme Court pick. We expect to see leftist smears, religious bigotry, more threats of violence, etc. but the votes are there for Judge Kavanaugh to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate,” Fitton concluded. 

Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said Trump “made another outstanding choice” by nominating Kavanaugh, “keeping his promise to nominate only originalist judges to the Court.” 

“ Judge Kavanaugh is an experienced, principled jurist with a strong record of protecting life and constitutional rights, as evidenced by his opinions in Garza v. Hargan and Priests for Life v. HHS,” she said in a statement. “SBA List is mobilizing the pro-life grassroots nationwide and in key Senate battleground states to urge the Senate to swiftly confirm Judge Kavanaugh. 

“Vulnerable senators up for re-election this year have a choice: stand with the President and their constituents and confirm a Supreme Court justice who will respect and uphold the Constitution, or cave to pressure from the extreme abortion lobby. If every self-avowed pro-life senator votes the right way, Judge Kavanaugh will be confirmed easily,” Dannenfelser said.

Thank You Ms Arter and CNS.