Kagan Gets Her 3rd Republican

Sen. Susan Collins, R-ME, announced Friday that she intends to support Elena Kagan, President Obama's pick for the Supreme Court.

Collins, a moderate, becomes just the third Republican to declare support for the nominee, joining Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Dick Lugar of Indiana.

In a statement, Collins said, "Having analyzed her record, questioned her personally, and reviewed the Judiciary Committee's hearings, I have concluded that Ms. Kagan should be confirmed to our nation's highest court."

Collins praised Kagan's "remarkable legal and academic career" and said, "Her writings, testimony, and my discussions with her all demonstrate not only a sweeping knowledge of the law, but also a love for the law . . . a passion for judicial reasoning."

The senator said she disagrees with some of Kagan's previous positions on issues, like gun rights, but said, "Based on my review of Ms. Kagan's record, on my assessment of her character, and my belief in her promise to adhere to precedent, Ms. Kagan warrants confirmation to the high court. She possesses the intellect, experience, temperament, and integrity to serve our country honorably as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court."

Collins also supported Obama's first pick to the court, Sonia Sotomayor.