Brown highlights Kagan's ties to Massachusetts

By Mark Arsenault, Globe Staff

WASHINGTON— In introducing Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Scott Brown, Republican of Massachusetts, this afternoon offered praise for Kagan’s record and took pride in her ties to Massachusetts, but did not commit to support her confirmation to the high court.

Brown and Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, introduced Kagan, following a long tradition that nominees are presented by their home-state senators.

“As an attorney myself, I recognize an impressive legal resume when I see one,” said Brown. “There is no doubt that Ms. Kagan has gone far since graduating from Harvard Law School, magna cum laude, in 1986.”

Brown summarized Kagan’s career as dean of Harvard Law School, as a lawyer in the Clinton administration and as US Solicitor General.

“I am very proud that our nation’s first female Solicitor General has such deep roots in Massachusetts,” said Brown. “Ms. Kagan is undoubtedly a brilliant woman who has served her country in a variety of capacities. She has made significant contributions to Massachusetts, and I thank her for that.

“I look forward to Ms. Kagan’s responses to the committee’s questions. I know that I have some of my own, and I am quite sure that my colleagues here today do as well. Our constitutional duty of ‘advice and consent’ is imperative and should not be taken lightly,” said Brown.