Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., announced opposition to Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan just hours after President Obama selected her Monday to replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens. Inhofe's quick response kicked off a GOP debate about Kagan's resume.

"Her lack of judicial experience and her interpretation of the Constitution also play an important role in my decision to once again oppose her nomination," Inhofe said, noting he opposed Kagan's nomination as solicitor general last year.

Key Democrats had urged Obama to pick a nonjudge, and in doing so, Obama got a nominee who is free of potentially controversial rulings. But Inhofe joins many Republican senators who immediately questioned Kagan's lack of judicial experience.

As of Monday evening, Inhofe was the only GOP senator to rule out voting for her. Last year he announced opposition to Justice Sonia Sotomayor's nomination early in the process.

Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy said he expects Kagan's confirmation this summer and will set a hearing date after consulting with Judiciary ranking member Jeff Sessions this week.