At an event today in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Senator Barack Obama spoke about his support of the Fair Pay Restoration Act, which would reverse the Supreme Court’s decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear. That decision severely curtailed the right of women and other employees who are victimized by unlawful wage discrimination to obtain back pay. Senator Obama criticized Senator John McCain’s refusal to support the same legislation.

People For the American Way President Kathryn Kolbert issued the following statement:

“Sen. McCain’s refusal to support the Fair Pay Restoration Act is important. But the differences between John McCain and Barack Obama are even bigger than that. They don’t just disagree on the legislation to reverse the Court’s decision — they strongly disagree about the kinds of Justices we want on the Supreme Court.

“Senator McCain not only applauded the decision that kept Lilly Ledbetter from getting the pay a federal jury said she deserved. He has actually traveled the country bragging about his support of Justices Alito and Roberts, who made it possible. Senator Obama opposed both those nominees.

“Commentators are obsessed with predicting which candidate will earn the votes of women who supported Senator Clinton in the primary, but when it comes to the Supreme Court, the difference is night and day. Whether it’s fair pay, reproductive rights, or the health and safety of families — Obama and Clinton presented a judicial philosophy that was almost indistinguishable. Senator McCain has promised judges who would be very, very different.

“No one who supported Senator Clinton’s commitment to fair pay and fair judges will find an ally in John McCain.”