"Painter has had firsthand experience with two supreme court selections. As an ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush, he worked on the nominations of John Roberts and Samuel Alito."

Judge a man by his actions, not by what he says. Actions show while words are elastic. The headline quote is from MPR, here. It is as strong an endorsement statement for Tina Smith as is possible. Having a hand in Roberts and Alito elevating above their station paints Painter unfavorably. Bless understatement.