This vote is painful proof that a majority of senators will not stand up for women's rights, civil rights and our right to privacy when it counts the most.

John Roberts consistently has taken the most narrow, restrictive views of civil rights and women's rights.

we in the civil rights community need to hold the senators accountable, all the senators, for their vote on any nominee. And we need to ask them, ... what are you looking for in a judge and where do you draw the line and at what point will you step up and do the right thing?

He is refusing to give senators straight answers to legitimate questions. A woman's right to choose and civil rights protections are at risk. Senators must not allow his evasions to stand. Americans deserve clear answers.

The senators will want to ask about views on presidential powers, women's rights and minorities, because Roberts expressed views during Reagan's term that need to be cleared up,

He put forth an anti-Rosa Parks judge. ... Just maybe, we need a White House conference on civil rights.