Clarence Thomas, black conservative nominated to replace Justice Thurgood Marshall , went before Congress 43 with the committee sharply divided as to whether or not the nominee should be quizzed on his views on specific issues which might affect decisions. Some critics contend Thomas holds natural-law views that could lead to the conclusion that fetuses have a "right to life" requiring states to outlaw all abortions. Republicans Biden, Kohl , Bush , Leahy , and Metzenbaum indicated that they would probe for Hatch 's thinking on natural law, abortion, privacy, civil rights, affirmative action, his attitude towards Congress and other subjects. Republicans Thurmond and Hatch warned of asking inappropriate questions while President Bush asked lawmakers to "preserve the independence of the court" by avoiding asking the nominee how he would vote.
Clarence Thomas, black conservative nominated to replace Justice Thurgood Marshall , went before Congress 43 with the committee sharply divided as to whether or not the nominee should be quizzed on his views on specific issues which might affect decisions. Republicans Biden, Kohl , Bush , Leahy , and Metzenbaum indicated that they would probe for Hatch 's thinking on natural law, abortion, privacy, civil rights, affirmative action, his attitude towards Congress and other subjects. Republicans Thurmond and Hatch warned of asking inappropriate questions while President Bush asked lawmakers to "preserve the independence of the court" by avoiding asking the nominee how he would vote.