Feinstein to Question Roberts on Abortion
By BETH FOUHY
The Associated Press
Monday, August 22, 2005; 11:10 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/22/AR2005082201126.htmlSAN JOSE, Calif. -- 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 17-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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