The “Other” Kagan

Post #53

In Shakespeare's “Romeo & Juliet”, the young couple is forbidden from falling in love because they come from different sides in an ancient family feud.  Chafing under the Capulet-Montague split that divides her from her lover, Juliet ponders philosophically:  “What’s in a name?”  For me in the past few weeks, a name has meant quite a lot!

As soon as President Obama nominated his brilliant Solicitor General, Elena Kagan, to the Supreme Court, the questions began:  Are we related?   Do I know her?  The answer to both questions is no.  And yet, it’s the nature of politics that her nomination and confirmation hearings will undoubtedly have an impact on my campaign.

First, I have been told that my alleged “name recognition” levels, normally low for most of us at the state level, will rise significantly.  People will believe that they've heard of me because the name “Kagan” will have been in the news a lot.

But an association with someone more famous can other effects, as well.  Any controversies that emerge in the course of her confirmation may, inadvertently, be ascribed to me in the minds of some voters.  I may have to spend some time and energy among the electorate this spring separating Elena Kagan’s positions from my own!

Of course, I’m proud to be associated--if only by surname--with such a qualified candidate.  I suspect that our views may be aligned in many areas, even though we are different people who have led very different careers.  Although we’ve both been involved in public policy, as a lawyer, she has of course worked in much greater depth in various areas of the law; whereas, unlike her, I’ve held public office.

Let's hope for timely, thorough, substantive, and respectful confirmation hearings.  My “Cousin Elena”... and our country... deserve nothing less. 

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  Do you share a name with a celebrity?  Has it brought you pride, embarrassment or something in between?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#53) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.