Committee vote Tuesday on Kagan court nomination

By MARK SHERMAN Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Elena Kagan is facing the first vote on her nomination to the Supreme Court before a Senate panel dominated by Democrats who are all but certain to support her. The only real question is whether Kagan will get any Republican votes.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is meeting Tuesday to take up Kagan's nomination after a week's delay at the request of Republican lawmakers. Democrats hold a 12-7 advantage on the committee.

President Barack Obama nominated Kagan to take the seat of Justice John Paul Stevens, who retired in June after more than 34 years on the court. Kagan has served as Obama's top Supreme Court lawyer since last year.

So far, no Democrat has announced opposition to Kagan and no Republican has announced support.