U.S. Senator Ken Salazar Member of the Agriculture, Energy and Veterans Affairs Committees 2300 15^th Street, Suite 450 Denver, CO 80202 | 702 Hart Senate Building, Washington, D.C. 20510
For Immediate Release September 25, 2005		CONTACT: Cody Wertz – Press Secretary 202-228-3630 Jen Clanahan – Deputy Press Secretary 303-455-7600
STATEMENT BY U.S. SENATOR KEN SALAZAR Concerning Judge John Roberts and his Nomination to Serve as Chief Justice of the United States “In the West, you take people at their word. Based on the word given by Judge John Roberts, I will cast my vote for his confirmation as Chief Justice of the United States. I have reached my decision based on Judge Roberts’ word that: 1. He will stand up and fight for an independent judiciary, and defend the judiciary from unwarranted attacks on its independence. 2. He will not roll back the clock of progress for civil rights and recognizes that the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment extends to all Americans, including women and racial and ethnic minorities. 3. He will respect the rule of law and the precedents of the United States Supreme Court, including the most important decisions of the last century. 4. He understands the importance of the freedom of religion and religious pluralism as a cornerstone of a free America. 5. He will work to create a federal judicial system that embraces diversity and has a face that reflects the diverse population of America. I have carefully considered all of the information before me, carefully reviewed the Judiciary Committee proceedings, and had two separate private meetings with Judge Roberts. Based on that deliberation, I have reached my own independent decision on how I will cast my vote on Judge Roberts.” Senator Ken Salazar # # #