If justice is blind, our visibly political confirmation process has gone far too partisan.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The First District, along with the rest of the Nation, has a lot to celebrate following the confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the highest court in the land. I am confident she will make a great addition to the Supreme Court. Her extensive credentials and experience and her dedication to protecting the judicial process make her a fantastic pick for this position.
However, this confirmation vote was much closer than it should have been, at 53-47. It is a recent development for Supreme Court confirmations to be as politically polarizing as they are today. The nominations of two highly esteemed justices, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia, both garnered over 95 votes in their nominations.
Lopsided majorities confirm most Supreme Court justices, but since the 1990s, partisan votes have become more common.
It is clear from Ketanji Brown Jackson's background that she is exceptionally well-qualified to serve.
During hearings, she demonstrated intelligence, wisdom, strength, integrity, and the demeanor to serve in the capacity in which the President nominated her. She will be an inspiration to those who aspire to accomplish great things.
We need to end this partisan divide before it destroys our country. When faced with decisions that affect the integrity of justice in our country, I pledge to keep party politics at bay. I sincerely hope all Supreme Court Justices administer justice under the law as guardians and interpreters of the Constitution and not through the lens of the party that appointed them.
We must strive to be "a more perfect union" with every confirmation and appointment.
