Grassley to Roberts: will you be fair to the VRA?
Senator Grassley had the following hard-hitting exchange with Judge Roberts:
GRASSLEY: Thank you.
Once again, I compliment you on how you've handled yourself at these hearings. You've done very well. It's going to be very hard for people to cast a "no" vote against you.
Judge Roberts, do you believe that every citizen who meets the qualifications set forth in the Constitution and our laws should have the opportunity to cast a free and unfettered vote?
And as a follow-up, will you, on the court, fairly apply the Voting Rights Act?
ROBERTS: I certainly agree that every citizen who meets the qualifications not only has a right to vote but should vote. I think it's a problem that we don't have more people voting. And any issues that come before me under the Voting Rights Act, I will confront those with an open mind and decide them after full and fair consideration of the arguments, in light of the precedents of the court and in light of the recognition of the critical role that the right to vote plays as preservative of all other rights. -- Transcript: Day Three of the Roberts Confirmation Hearings