SCOTUS

Black Leaders Lukewarm on Kagan

Cite thin record on civil rights.

Should Elena Kagan be worried? As the Supreme Court nominee is set to begin her confirmation hearings tomorrow, many leading civil rights groups have yet to pledge full support of President Obama’s pick. Citing a thin and mixed legal record, several predominantly African-American groups have declined to endorse Kagan, while others have expressed only hesitant support. “There isn’t a judicial record to review, indicating her views on critical civil rights matters,” said the executive director of the Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, summarizing the position of many activists. Despite the lack of strong support, Kagan’s confirmation remains likely, as no Senate Democrats have indicated that they would vote against her. However, the wavering of support is only the latest indication of the left’s disappointment in what they see as an obscure nominee.