Sen. Patty Murray gave her official endorsement today to Solictor General Elana Kagan for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court.

It may be the least surprising news of the morning that the state's senior Democratic senator will back the pick of a Democratic president to fill what's considered a liberal seat on the nation's highest court. But there you have it.

Full statement of Murray on Kagan can be found inside the blog.

“After meeting with Solicitor General Elena Kagan and examining her record, experience and testimony, I am confident that she has the judgment and impartiality to serve our nation honorably on the Supreme Court. She has consistently demonstrated that she is committed to a fair and independent approach to rendering justice. And importantly, I believe she has proven that she will work to ensure that the voices of average families are represented on our nation’s highest court.

“Solicitor General Kagan has a strong legal background and is a highly qualified choice for the Supreme Court. When I met with her last May she struck me as thoughtful and fair-minded in her approach to some of the most pressing legal issues we face as a nation. She also presented an evenhanded view of our justice system that gives me every assurance that any individual or group from Washington state could stand before her and receive fair treatment.

 “Elena Kagan’s nomination is also another step forward to ensuring a court that is reflective of the country whose laws it safeguards. We are now on the verge of having the most women to serve together on the court at any one time. While we still have work to do to achieve a court that is truly representative of the full diversity of American experiences, I am hopeful that we will continue to strive toward that goal.”