By Jill Morrison
Washington, DC – Democratic New York Senator Charles Schumer cast a no vote Thursday on the confirmation of Judge John Roberts for Chief Justice of the United States.
Senator Schumer says the most important criteria for choosing a judge are their judicial philosophy and ideology. He says Roberts didn't answer enough questions to figure out what kind of Justice he would be.
"Because there were not enough questions answered or document provided, we're still unsure of how to answer the central question -- who is Judge Roberts? We're left playing a bit of a game of blind man's bluff," Schumer said.
Schumer also expressed concern Roberts could be similar to Clarence Thomas, a justice appointed by the first President Bush.
"Judge Roberts repeatedly assured the committee he had no quarrel with various Supreme Court decisions on privacy, women's rights, civil rights, education and other important issues," Schumer said. "The same assurance was made by Justice Thomas at his hearings, but when given the opportunity to consider those cases with which he had 'no quarrel' from the bench he voted to overrule."
Many Republicans say if Democrats won't support Roberts, they won't support anyone. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-5 to send Roberts to the Senate floor with its recommendation.
It is expected he'll be confirmed next week.