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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Senate opened a confirmation hearing Monday for Elena Kagan, the woman chosen to replace Justice Stevens on the United States Supreme Court.
One of the Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee wary of Elena Kagan is Sen. Orrin Hatch.
Senators will start questioning Kagan Tuesday. Hatch has four priorities when he questions a Supreme Court nominee -- and he's looking for yours as well.
"This is a critical decision, and it is about more than just one person," Hatch said. "Our decision will affect liberty itself."
Hatch is asking his Facebook fans for questions to ask Kagan. He already sat down with Kagan for a one-on-one chat and says he has serious concerns about her activist philosophy in past statements and writings.
Hatch has questioned Supreme Court nominees before.
"They're always interesting, but even more interesting this time, I'm hopeful," he said.
Hopeful because Kagan, he believes, knows she has the support to get confirmed so he wants her to answer -- not evade.
"She should have to answer them, and she should have to express what her judicial philosophy really is going to be and what it really is," Hatch said.
Hatch said he wants to cover gun rights, abortion, military recruiting and free speech.
Hatch has only voted against one high court nominee in 34 years in office -- the most recent member, Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
E-mail: athomas@ksl.com
