Kerry: American People Must Know Roberts’ Record on Civil Rights

[kerrygoddess]

Kerry: American People Must Know Roberts’ Record on Civil Rights
July 22nd, 2005

As Ron noted in his post below, Supreme Court nominee John Roberts is considered by some to be a friend to business. However, civil rights activists are concerned about his stance on many civil rights issues. (See my post earlier today for links to Senator Kennedy’s press conference yesterday regarding John Roberts.)

John Kerry released a statement today regarding the new reports that Robert’s civil rights records may be withheld from Congress.

“Our country has traveled an incredible journey in the fight to guarantee civil rights to all Americans. From the days when Thurgood Marshall took Brown vs. the Board of Education to the Supreme Court through the present, an important part of this battle has taken place in the federal court system. The American people should know whether John Roberts will protect their consitutional rights if confirmed as a Justice to the Court.

I hope that both Judge Roberts and the Bush Administration will release all documents related to his professional record, including memoranda written during his time in the Justice Department. These documents should be released to the Congress in their entirety. The Senate has a challenge to meet its constitutional responsibility in the months ahead, and we can not do our duty if either Judge Roberts or the Bush Administration hides elements of his professional record. The Senate,and the American people, need to know the truth about Judge Roberts’ record to make a proper judgment.”

Kerry’s statement has hit the MSM with coverage from AP reaching the news wires a short time ago…

Kerry Seeks Release of Roberts’ Documents

“We cannot do our duty if either Judge Roberts or the Bush administration hides elements of his professional record,” said the Massachusetts senator who was his party’s presidential candidate last year.

Opening what is expected to be a broader attempt by Democrats to pry loose documents, Kerry issued his statement as Roberts made the latest in a series of courtesy calls on senators in advance of confirmation hearings.

Democratic officials also said Friday they want access to all material regarding Roberts at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. Roberts served in the White House counsel’s office from 1982-1986. He was principal deputy solicitor general in the administration of President George H.W. Bush.

The Reagan Library, in Simi Valley, Calif., holds an unknown number of documents relating to Roberts, arranged by subject matter. While material in some subjects are designated on the library’s Web site as available to the public, most is not.

MORE & LINKS -
http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=43