Maine Republican Sen. Collins to back Kagan

Republican Senator Susan Collins says she'll vote to confirm Elena Kagan as a Supreme Court justice.

The Maine lawmaker said in a statement Friday that Kagan has the intellect, experience, temperament and integrity to serve honorably on the high court.

Collins' announcement makes her the third Republican to break with her party to back President Barack Obama's nominee to succeed retired Justice John Paul Stevens.

GOP Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Richard Lugar of Indiana did so earlier this week.

Collins says she doesn't agree with some of Kagan's positions, such as on gun rights, but believes she deserves to be confirmed based on her record, character and promises to stick to court precedents.