Top Judiciary Republican to oppose Kagan

By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee says he'll oppose Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan.

Sen. Jeff Sessions says Kagan has placed her politics above the law, lacks experience, and has activist judicial heroes.

The Alabaman's announcement comes as the Judiciary panel is set to vote on sending Kagan's nomination to the full Senate. Sessions' opposition is no surprise, and most Republicans are expected to join him in voting "no" on President Barack Obama's nominee to succeed retiring Justice John Paul Stevens.

Still, a handful of GOP senators is expected to back her, and Democrats have more than enough votes to confirm her.

Sessions revealed his vote in USA Today.