Carnahan, Blunt contrast on Kagan's confirmation

JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri's leading U.S. Senate candidates would vote differently on the confirmation of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court.

Kagan won approval Tuesday from the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be considered by the full Senate in coming weeks.

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, the leading Democrat in Missouri's Senate race, says she supports Kagan's appointment. Carnahan says Kagan is qualified and understands the law. She says presidents should be given deference in their Supreme Court appointments.

Congressman Roy Blunt, the leading Republican in the Senate race, says he opposes Kagan's appointment. Blunt notes Supreme Court judges often serve longer than presidents. He describes Kagan as someone who doesn't believe the Constitution means what it says and can have a flexible interpretation.