Statement from Governor David A. Paterson on Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan

ALBANY, NY (05/10/2010)(readMedia)-- "I would like to congratulate New York native Solicitor General Elena Kagan on her nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States. President Obama's selection of Ms. Kagan to the nation's highest court is a profound honor, and is proof that she is both respected and admired for her distinguished work and lifelong commitment to public service.

"Throughout Ms. Kagan's remarkable career, she has demonstrated great leadership, intelligence and devotion to the American judicial system. Ms. Kagan began her legal career after graduating magna cum laude from Harvard Law School where she was a supervising editor of the Law Review. She clerked for former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and later served as an aide to President Bill Clinton. Ms. Kagan was the first woman Dean of Harvard Law School and most recently was confirmed and is serving as U.S. Solicitor General. Ms. Kagan's impressive career is a testament to her devotion to the law and has provided her with the critical experiences that will serve her well as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

"I am pleased that President Obama has selected such an accomplished scholar who will indisputably bring integrity to our nation's legal system."

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