Kagan Whip Count: Specter A Yes

[usregimechange]

The confirmation hearings are over, and senators have begun to make up their minds about Solicitor General Elena Kagan. We're keeping a whip count of Kagan backers and her opponents in advance of this month's floor debate.

A note on methodology: We assume a vast majority -- if not all -- of the Dem caucus will vote to confirm Kagan. But we're going to be sticklers for a firm 'yes' -- or the very strong hint of a 'yes' in an interview.

YES VOTES: 13
Sens. Michael Bennet (report), Ben Cardin (statement), Dick Durbin (floor speech^, 7/12), Russ Feingold (statement), Al Franken (interview), Ted Kaufman (statement), Amy Klobuchar (interview*), Patrick Leahy (statement), Jeff Merkley (report), Arlen Specter (op-ed), Debbie Stabenow (statement), Mark Udall (statement), Sheldon Whitehouse (interview^^).

NO VOTES: 12
Sens. Bob Bennett (statement), John Cornyn (statement), Jim DeMint (op-ed), Orrin Hatch (statement), Jim Inhofe (statement), Johnny Isakson (statement), Mike Johanns (statement), John McCain (op-ed), Mitch McConnell (statement), Lisa Murkowski (statement), John Thune (statement), David Vitter (statement).

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/07/kagan_whip_coun.php