AUGUSTA (AP) – On the eve of an expected Senate Judiciary Committee vote, Sen. Olympia Snowe said Wednesday she would vote to confirm Chief Justice-nominee John Roberts when the matter comes before the full Senate.

“I did not come to my decision to support Judge Roberts’ nomination lightly,” Snowe said in a statement.

“The Supreme Court passes judgment on some of the most deeply felt issues of our time, and our society will undoubtedly bear the mark of our decision to place Judge Roberts on the Supreme Court for decades to come. So we in the Senate should take very seriously our duty to apply the utmost consideration and diligence before consenting to this or any other nomination,” Snowe said.

Roberts has been widely praised for his legal knowledge even as he has stirred discussion over his philosophical leanings. Snowe addressed both sides of the confirmation debate in her statement.

“I have also arrived at the conclusion that Judge Roberts has the core qualifications to execute the distinct functions of chief justice of the United States – among them a strong intellect, leadership ability, and a principled and consistent commitment to judicial method,” the Maine Republican who is the state’s senior senator said.

“While no one can conclusively predict how any nominee will rule on a particular case, I have concluded that Judge Roberts will bring an open mind and a respect for the established confines of the law, precedent and settled law to individual cases,” Snowe said.

Maine’s junior senator, Republican Susan Collins, announced her support for Roberts on Sunday.

“He possesses impeccable legal credentials, a brilliant intellect, and outstanding character,” Collins said in a brief statement distributed by her office.

Bush named Roberts in July, and he would become the court’s first new justice in 11 years. If confirmed, he would succeed Sandra Day O’Connor.

The recent death of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist moved Roberts into position to succeed him as the leader of the court and also opened up a second choice for Bush.

Snowe and Collins were among 14 Senate centrists who brokered a deal earlier this year to expedite handling of Bush’s judicial nominations.

“I have spoken personally with Judge Roberts, listened carefully to his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and thoroughly reviewed his record,” Snowe said Wednesday.

“Based on the evidence presented to me, I believe him to be a jurist of strong character and intellect, suitable judicial temperament, and professional legal ability. In our private meeting, Judge Roberts described his judicial philosophy as one of modesty and humility, a characterization borne out by his testimony before the Judiciary Committee.

“He also recognizes the vital role of legal precedent and the constitutional right of privacy, and I believe he will respect his obligation to faithfully interpret the Constitution. As such, I will vote to confirm his nomination,” Snowe said.

The full Senate is expected to take up Roberts’ confirmation next week.