No. He has no right to ask a candidate about a topic on which it is likely she will have to make a decision.
Besides, Brownback is showboating here. Do you think he asked Roberts his view on Roe v. Wade? If he did, do you think Roberts actually gave it?
This is for 'O8. Brownback knows Miers is not going to discuss Roe v. Wade with him or any other Senator.
"Are you saying no Senator has the right to know a nominee's views on this issue, particularly one of absolutely crucial importance to the base (though apparently not even on Bush's radar screen)?"
"No. He has no right to ask a candidate about a topic on which it is likely she will have to make a decision."
Baloney. The Senator has every right to ask any question about topics that will relate to her work. This was not about a pending specific case, but was asking about what constitution principles she will stand up for. Imagine a job interview where every question is answered "Well, that will come up in my work, so I can't answer it."
She has every right to refuse to answer, or be vague, or give some general parameters, but even Chuckie Schumer has the "right" to ask whatever meddlesome questions he wants to get a sense of what kind of a judge she will be.
" Do you think he asked Roberts his view on Roe v. Wade? If he did, do you think Roberts actually gave it?"
He and many other Senators *did*, in the hearings.
You gotta read between many lines, but it was asked and it was answered.