NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin Statement on Roberts Judiciary Committee Vote
Pro-Choice Wisconsinites Looking Ahead to Next Supreme Court Nominee
Madison, WI – In response to yesterday’s Judiciary Committee vote, where both Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold voted for John Roberts, NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin’s executive director, Kelda Helen Roys, issued the following statement:
“Clearly, we’re disappointed. Wisconsinites expected Senators Kohl and Feingold to stand up to this anti-choice nominee. Both have been key allies in the past and have led the Senate in protecting the rights and liberties we all cherish.
“John Roberts repeatedly refused to answer fair and direct questions, including whether the right to privacy extends to a woman’s right to choose. He did nothing to alleviate pro-choice Americans’ fears that he poses a threat to Roe v. Wade. His answers mirrored those of Clarence Thomas, who said at his hearings that he supported privacy but then voted to overturn Roe the following year.
“Our senators’ decision to support John Roberts makes it even more imperative that they demand the President choose a moderate, consensus nominee to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. As we move forward, we will continue to work with Senators Kohl and Feingold on protecting fundamental freedoms, including a woman’s right to choose.
“NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin’s job is to raise the issue of the right to privacy and ensure it is part of the public debate. The American people want to know where a nominee stands on fundamental freedoms, including a woman’s right to choose as defined in Roe v. Wade. We ensured that this issue was a key part of the debate, and we mobilized thousands of Wisconsinites to contact their senators. Our supporters are even more energized for the next Court vacancy, where the stakes are higher.
“President Bush has pleased his right-wing base with John Roberts, now he should do what’s in the best interests of the country and seek out a moderate who will protect our freedoms and uphold Roe v. Wade.”
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