Guest Blogger: Sen. George LeMieux (R-FL) on Checking the Balance of Power at the Supreme Court

Sen. George LeMieux (R-FL) / May 07, 2010

This summer, the United States Senate will make one of the most solemn determinations within our constitutional system – whether to confirm a president’s nominee to a lifetime of service on the United States Supreme Court.

When considering a nominee for the vacancy created by Justice John Paul Stevens’ retirement, the Senate must determine whether the nominee will demonstrate an unfailing fidelity to the text of the Constitution and proper restraint against the temptation to expand judicial power. United States Supreme Court vacancies are not to be filled with symbols of ideology; they are to be filled with people who demonstrate a true adherence to the rule of law.

A nominee should present a robust body of work. The president and the Senate must evaluate how the nominee would approach the role of judging—how the nominee will make determinations about the meaning of federal law and the Constitution. Whether the nominee will simply apply the law as written and adhere to the Constitution’s limits on the role of the federal government in citizens’ lives. (more…)