The Senate today kicks off debate on Elena Kagan's Supreme Court nomination as Republicans, buoyed by an unexpected Democratic "no" vote, argue for opposing Kagan over social issues.

Democratic aides had said debate on Kagan would likely not start until Wednesday evening after votes on other issues. But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Monday said the Senate instead will start debate today, but it will likely be interrupted by votes on other matters. Doing so will allow Democrats to say they granted several days of debate sought by Republicans.

Republicans have seized on Friday's announcement by Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., that he will vote against confirming Kagan. Nelson said he would back cloture if needed.

Nelson attributed his position as much to his constituents' views as his own. He said he had "heard concerns from Nebraskans regarding Ms. Kagan, and her lack of a judicial record makes it difficult for me to discount the concerns raised by Nebraskans, or to reach a level of comfort that these concerns are unfounded."

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