Richard Lugar Second GOP Senator to Back Kagan

Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana today became the second Republican to pledge support for Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan.

"I have concluded that Solicitor General Elena Kagan is clearly qualified to serve on the Supreme Court and that she has demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of court history and decisions," he said. "I believe that she has had a distinguished career in both education and public service and is well regarded by the legal community and her peers. I will vote to confirm Solicitor General Elena Kagan's nomination to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States."

Lugar's endorsement follows that of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, the only Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee to back the Obama nominee.

Kagan, nominated to replace Justice John Paul Stevens, is on track to easily win confirmation, most likely in a vote early next month. She is expected to win the support of a few more Republicans, though the vast majority are likely to oppose her.