[Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said he had] an interesting and a good meeting ... to be open about every question.

[Others do not want to touch it, including Sen. Patrick Leahy (Vt.), the committee's ranking Democrat, who also is a Catholic.] Just as we're supposed to be colorblind, we should be religious blind, ... We have no religious test for public office ... and I think anyone would find that sort of inquiry, if it were actually made, offensive.

[Others do not want to touch it, including Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (Vt.), the committee's ranking Democrat, who also is a Catholic.] Just as we're supposed to be colorblind, we should be religious-blind, ... We have no religious test for public office . . . and I think anyone would find that sort of inquiry, if it were actually made, offensive.

I've been a member of the Judiciary Committee for 20 years, and chairman for 12 years. This is the first time that we've ever had a letter or any type of direct report from a member of the Supreme Court regarding misconduct taking place at the Supreme Court. It's extraordinary.

My job as ranking member is about being a partner in making the committee effective.

As the record shows, I have supported every one of President Bush's nominees in the Judiciary Committee and on the Senate floor. I have never and would never apply any litmus test on the abortion issue and, as the record shows, I have voted to confirm Chief Justice (William) Rehnquist, Justice (Sandra Day) O'Connor, and Justice (Anthony) Kennedy and led the fight to confirm Justice (Clarence) Thomas.