Senators Murray and Cantwell Launch Website to Give Americans the Chance to Ask Judge Roberts a Question

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(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), joined by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and five other Democratic women senators, today launched an interactive website to engage Americans in the Supreme Court confirmation of Judge John G. Roberts, Jr. The website, unveiled at a press conference, allows all Americans to submit questions they want Judge Roberts to answer during his upcoming Senate hearings.

“This website provides every American with a great opportunity to be involved in this process. In 1991, as I watched the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings, I simply couldn’t believe that this nominee was not asked about issues that I cared about,” Murray said.

“This website provides an outlet for all Americans to share their thoughts, questions, and concerns during this important process. Judge Roberts has been nominated to a lifetime appointment on the highest court in the land and will influence our path on issues ranging the spectrum. I encourage all Americans to take advantage of this opportunity,” Murray continued.

“In his last nomination hearings, Judge Roberts’ answers were too evasive. I hope that he will feel compelled to be more forthright with the Senate when he knows the American people are not just listening, but participating,” said Cantwell. “That is why efforts like our web site are so important. It’s time for Americans from all different perspectives to weigh in. I don’t know where else in America you can not answer the questions but still get the job,” Senator Cantwell said. “In particular, Judge Roberts needs to provide some reassurance that he recognizes the right of privacy in our Constitution. Americans expect that their rights will be upheld by the Court and that will only happen with a judge who recognizes that right to privacy.”

Joining Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell in this endeavor are Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY).

The project’s website address is: http://democrats.senate.gov/askroberts or can be reached via http://murray.senate.gov or http://cantwell.senate.gov