Ron Johnson opposes while Tammy Baldwin supports Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to U.S. Supreme Court
Wisconsin's two U.S. Senators have predictably split on the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson said Tuesday that he will vote against the nominee, while Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin said last week that she backed President Joe Biden's pick to the high court.
With support from three Republican U.S. senators and the full backing of the 50-member Democratic caucus, Jackson's nomination is expected to be approved later this week.
More: Jackson likely confirmed in a hurry. Getting on the Supreme Court? That'll take time.
Johnson said he enjoyed his meeting and conversation with Jackson adding that "she is a decent person with a compelling life story."
But Johnson said he had "reservations with her nomination to serve a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court."
He also said he was disappointed the White House "did not offer availability prior to the first vote in the confirmation process that took place (Monday) night."
"I have always said I want to confirm judges that apply the law and not alter it to achieve ideological policy preferences. Judge Jackson is constrained in answering questions regarding issues that might come before the court, so I can only base my decision on what she said in her hearings and what my assumptions are regarding judicial appointments made by liberal Democrat Presidents."
Johnson claimed those presidents "universally nominate individuals who become judicial activists instead of the type of judge I described above. I sincerely hope she proves me wrong ..."
In declaring last week that she will "proudly vote for the historic confirmation," Baldwin called Jackson "extremely well qualified and has strong experience working as a federal judge."
"She has a proven record of being an impartial, fair and independent judge guided by the rule of law, and the Senate hearings made that clear," Baldwin said, adding that Jackson's "lifetime of hard work and perseverance has prepared her well for this inspiring moment and I believe she has the character, temperament, and experience we want in a Justice on our highest court."
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Baldwin, Johnson split on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson court nomination