‘While he has demonstrated intelligence and eloquence, he has not provided adequate insight into his views or judicial philosophy. The Supreme Court is too important and the stakes are too high to roll the dice on a judge who may sit on the bench for decades to come. I fear that we have not learned all that we should learn about Judge Roberts for a lifetime appointment of such significance.’
– Then U.S. Senator Jon Corzine explaining why he voted against the appointment of John Roberts as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Senator Gerald Cardinale, senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after reading the blatantly partisan, inflammatory and irresponsible rhetoric of Senator Paul Sarlo, the chairman of the committee, in his press release regarding the reappointment of Justice Barry Albin to the New Jersey Supreme Court:
“It’s quite clear from his statements that Senator Sarlo believes no serious review of Justice Albin’s performance is necessary,” Senator Cardinale said. “His mind is already made up.
“Republicans on the committee, on the other hand, believe the writers of the state Constitution were very wise to call for a complete review of a justice before granting a lifetime appointment to the people’s highest judicial post. We believe that a lifetime is a long time to regret not conducting a thorough vetting of such an important nominee, should his performance fail to meet expectations.
“In calling for this impartial and thoughtful review, none of the Republican members of the Judiciary has ever stood up on a soapbox or engaged in rants, as the judiciary chairman suggests. In fact, Senator Sarlo knows full well that all five Republicans members have engaged in nothing but impartial and thoughtful questioning of every nominee who has come before the committee.
“Only Mr. Sarlo has put forth a politically motivated rant in the form of this shrill and angry press release. Respectfully senator, I ask that you calm down, because this review will require calm and rational deliberation.
“Republicans on the Judiciary Committee intend to ask the serious and important questions that the citizens of their districts want answered. That is their responsibility under the laws of our state. I urge Senator Sarlo to do the same, and stop attempting to silence those who take their duties as senators and servants of the public seriously.”
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