Alabama politicians, groups react to Donald Trump’s SCOTUS nominee Brett Kavanaugh

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Donald Trump_Brett Kavanaugh
[Photo Credit: AP Photo | Alex Brandon]

Reactions rolled in quickly to President Donald Trump‘s nomination of 53-year-old Judge Brett Kavanaugh of the D.C. Court of Appeals to replace Anthony Kennedy on the U.S. Supreme Court, calling him “a brilliant jurist,” who is devoted to public service and is eminently qualified for the job.

“He deserves swift confirmation and robust bipartisan support,” said Trump.

Here’s what Alabama politicians and groups  had to say about his selection (in the order they were received):

Robert Aderholt OfficialRobert Aderholt | U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 4th District

From what I know at this point, it appears President Trump has made an excellent choice in nominating Brett Kavanaugh.  Judge Kavanaugh has the qualifications that make him immensely qualified to take a seat on the highest court in the land. I believe, if confirmed by the Senate, Judge Kavanaugh will interpret the Constitution as written, and I do not think he will attempt to make law from the bench. Again, based on what I’m hearing about Judge Kavanaugh, I encourage my Congressional colleagues in the Senate to quickly confirm him.

Bradley Byrne Official fraudBradley Byrne | U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 1st District

As a fair legal mind, defender of the Constitution, and a judge on the D.C. Circuit, Brett Kavanaugh is prepared for a seat on the Supreme Court. I support President Trump’s nominee, and I hope the Senate will move expeditiously to confirm Judge Kavanaugh, a high quality and uniquely qualified nominee.

Mo Brooks OfficialMo Brooks | U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 5th District

President Trump made an excellent choice when he nominated Neil Gorsuch, and he has repeated his standard of excellence by nominating Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. It is a bedrock principle of the American Republic that justices should not substitute their policy beliefs for those elected by the American people to make our laws. Judicially activist justices betray the Constitution and America when they undermine our Republic by substituting their policy beliefs for those duly elected to make them. Brett Kavanaugh has an established record of upholding the Constitution and federal law without inserting his personal political views into his decisions. As such, I look forward to his quick confirmation by the Senate.

Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh

Twinkle Cavanaugh | PSC President and Republican Lt. Governor candidate.

President Trump has made another tremendous selection in nominating Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Our next Supreme Court Justice must be a steadfast supporter of the rule of law. There is no doubt that Judge Kavanaugh will be a faithful servant to our Constitution, as his demonstrated record of bold conservatism proves. I enthusiastically look forward to supporting his nomination and urge the United States Senate to confirm him.

Martha Roby OfficialMartha Roby | U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 2nd District

This is truly a historic moment in our nation, and I applaud President Trump’s decision to nominate Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh is a conservative, experienced jurist who I believe will be a strict constitutionalist on the bench. I’m hopeful his nomination will give us an opportunity to shift the balance of the Court in favor of the pro-life movement for years to come.

I’m confident that Judge Kavanaugh will serve the Court and the American people admirably, and I am eager to see the Senate quickly begin the confirmation process.

Senator Richard Shelby AlabamaRichard Shelby | U.S. Senator

President Trump has made an excellent choice in nominating Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. He has impressive credentials, and I look forward to meeting with him to further consider his qualifications and commitment to upholding our Constitution as it is written. This nomination is one of the most important items that we will consider this year. I am hopeful that Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation process will be fair and timely.

Kay Ivey headshotKay Ivey | Governor of Alabama

I applaud President Trump for his nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh clearly understands the proper role of a judge is to interpret the law as it is written and apply the law impartially.  It is imperative that judges adhere to the Constitution and resist judicial activism. As a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Kavanaugh will have the opportunity to set valuable precedents for lower court judges all over the country to follow.

Another conservative justice on the U.S. Supreme Court who honors the original intent of the Constitution will have a positive impact on our country for decades.  I look forward to following the U.S. Senate confirmation process.

TerryLathan

Terry Lathan | Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party

The Alabama Republican Party congratulates Judge Brett Kavanaugh on his nomination to the United States Supreme Court by President Trump. A former legal counsel to President George W. Bush, clerk for Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, 1990 Yale Law School graduate, and a current judge for the D.C. Circuit U.S Court of Appeals, Brett Kavanaugh is a wise choice for Supreme Court Justice.

Terri Sewell OfficialTerri Sewell | U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 7th District

Our high court plays a critical role in ensuring fairness, justice and equality under the Constitution. It was the Supreme Court that ultimately ordered an end to Jim Crow segregation in Brown v. Board and that put a stop to the use of poll taxes in our elections. As our courts consider cases today that will have a direct impact on Alabama, from challenges to the Affordable Care Act to cases on modern-day voter suppression, it is critically important that Justice Kennedy’s replacement bring a strong sense of equality, fairness, and justice for all to the job.

Unfortunately, an initial review of Judge Kavanaugh’s record shows that he will likely drive the Supreme Court farther to the right, threatening further attacks on access to health care, our right to vote, affirmative action, and all the important progress that we have made as a nation. The Senate now has the responsibility of carefully considering Judge Kavanaugh’s record, his judicial leanings, and his reading of the Constitution. I urge our Senators to take great care in their review of this nomination and oppose any addition to the Supreme Court that threatens the equality and progress that are so important to my constituents and our great nation.

This article has been updated with additional reactions.