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 right to remain silent on issues that might come before the court. The two sides are locked in a bitter battle over whether Thomas, who was nominated by President George W. Bush last year, should be confirmed as an associate justice or denied because he has been accused of sexual The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to begin confirmation 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 right to remain silent on issues that might come before the court. Civil rights groups raised questions about Thomas's record as chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunities 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 confirmation hearings in September. Thomas, an unabashed conservative, would succeed the court's leading liberal and first and only black justice.