Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., noted that Metzenbaum did not press Justice David Souter during confirmation hearings about his position on abortion. Senate Democrats today pledged to examine the views of Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas on abortion and other divisive issues while Republicans supported the nominee and defended his decision to remain silent on issues that might come before the court . Civil rights groups raised concerns about Thomas 's record as chairman of the Equal Employment Protection Commission and said the fact that he was African - American should not be an excuse for ignoring his civil rights record . The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to begin hearing hearings in September . Thomas , an unabashed conservative , would succeed the court 's leading liberal and first and only black justice .
Senate Democrats today pledged to examine the views of Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas on abortion and other divisive issues while Republicans supported the nominee and defended his decision to remain silent on issues that might come before the court . Civil rights groups raised concerns about Thomas 's record as chairman of the Equal Employment Protection Commission and said the fact that he was African - American should not be an excuse for ignoring his civil rights record . The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to begin hearing hearings in September . Thomas , an unabashed conservative , would succeed the court 's leading liberal and first and only black justice .