NALEO Evaluates Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan

WASHINGTON, July 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) issued the following statement regarding the confirmation of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to serve as Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court:

"The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) has concluded a thorough evaluation of Solicitor General Elena Kagan in accordance with our Board's principles governing the assessment of federal judiciary nominees. Our evaluation involved an examination of General Kagan's professional qualifications and accomplishments, and her writings and activities related to issues affecting equal access to civic and economic opportunities.  The assessment also included a review of her record of service to the legal profession, the judiciary, and the public, including the Latino community.

"Based upon our evaluation, NALEO has determined that we will neither endorse nor oppose the confirmation of Solicitor Kagan to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, as there is insufficient information in her record regarding her stance on issues central to NALEO's civic engagement mission, particularly the protection of immigrant rights and voting rights.  In addition, her record does not appear to indicate a substantial level of involvement in public service to the Latino community or in promoting access for Latinos to the judicial profession.

"We believe General Kagan clearly possesses the professional qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court, and her record reveals many positive accomplishments in supporting equal educational and employment opportunities for all of our nation's residents.  Should General Kagan be confirmed, we call on her to promote the sound administration of justice in the United States and ensure that the rights of all members of our society are protected."  

ABOUT NALEO

The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials is the leadership organization of the nation's more than 6,000 Latino elected and appointed officials.

SOURCE National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO)