Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe says she plans to vote to confirm Elena Kagan as a Supreme Court justice.

The Maine lawmaker's announcement makes her the fourth Republican to break with her party to back President Barack Obama's high court nominee.

In a statement, Snowe says Kagan has met her standards for a justice with her strong intellect, respect for the rule of law and understanding of the Supreme Court's important but limited role.

She also says endorsements from conservative lawyers show that Kagan has a reputation for a sound judicial temperament.

Democrats have more than enough votes to confirm Kagan in a vote expected next week. Most Republicans oppose her, arguing she would bring a liberal bias to the bench.