In advance of the Senate vote to confirm Judge John Roberts as the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Congressman Harold Ford released the following statement:
"I expect that Judge Roberts will honor his words before the Senate Judiciary Committee, to 'confront every case with an open mind' and without a pre-determined ideology. Although I would not have nominated Judge Roberts, I support his confirmation this morning.
"I am also hopeful that, in selecting someone to replace Justice O'Connor, President Bush nominates a justice that all Americans can support. Now is not the time for divisiveness or partisanship. The issues that this nation and the Court will face are too important."