Hirono, Lingle split slightly over high court nominees

By Derrick DePledge

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Sep 30, 2012

~~<p>U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former Gov. Linda Lingle say they would not apply single-issue litmus tests to Supreme Court nominees if elected to the U.S. Senate, but Hirono would be more likely to consider legal opinions on abortion rights, health care reform, campaign finance and gender discrimination when evaluating potential judges.</p>
<p>Senators have the distinct constitutional authority to advise and consent on the president's judicial nominations, a check on the president's power to shape the federal court system.</p>
~~

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former Gov. Linda Lingle say they would not apply single-issue litmus tests to Supreme Court nominees if elected to the U.S. Senate, but Hirono would be more likely to consider legal opinions on abortion rights, health care reform, campaign finance and gender discrimination when evaluating potential judges.

Senators have the distinct constitutional authority to advise and consent on the president's judicial nominations, a check on the president's power to shape the federal court system. Login for more...