Roberts Tells Senate Panel He Has No Agenda or Platform

By Melanie Hunter
CNSNews.com Senior Editor
September 13, 2005

(CNSNews.com) -- In his opening statement Monday, Judge John Roberts, who was nominated to succeed Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he has no agenda or platform.

"Judges are not politicians who can promise to do certain things in exchange for votes. I have no agenda, but I do have a commitment. If I am confirmed, I will confront every case with an open mind. I will fully and fairly analyze the legal arguments that are presented," Roberts said.

"I will be open to the considered views of my colleagues on the bench, and I will decide every case based on the record according to the rule of law without fear or failure to the best of my ability. And I will remember that it's my job to call balls and strikes and not to pitch or bat," said Roberts.

Before Roberts spoke, senators gave their opening statements, some advising Roberts not to speak about his personal views or how he would rule on specific issues, while some liberal senators like Sens. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) ordered him to tell where he stands on issues like abortion.

American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which specializes in constitutional law, said the first day of the confirmation hearings reveals the "true agenda of some of the liberal members."
Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of ACLJ, attended the hearings and supports the Roberts nomination.

"It is no surprise that some of the liberal members of the Senate Judiciary Committee are already trying to frame these confirmation hearings using a skewed view of our constitutional freedoms - a view that contrasts sharply with what our Founding Fathers intended and what most Americans understand - that a Justice - especially the Chief Justice - should interpret the Constitution, not legislate from the bench," said Sekulow.

"With his opening remarks, John Roberts underscored his commitment to the law. He understands that his role is to interpret, not legislate. We're confident that he will not be bullied by the partisan tactics employed by some on the committee," Sekulow added.

"The American people will get a chance to see the real John Roberts - a mainstream nominee who not only understands the role of the high court, but as Chief Justice will be dedicated to ensuring that the high court tackle the issues that matter most in a manner consistent with the Constitution," said Sekulow.