Will the Alito Nomination Be Stalled?

Over the weekend, our Governmental Affairs staff has been working with members of the Judiciary Committee staff on the possibility that some Senators might move to delay the Alito confirmation hearing vote.  According to the original agreement of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the vote in the Judiciary Committee is scheduled for tomorrow morning.  However, several Senators have indicated that they are not done with the process.  Senator Schumer from New York was quoted as saying this weekend, The bottom line is, were still finishing the process.  Written questions have to be answered.  I submitted a whole bunch, so its premature to say anything until we fully assess the record.  Interestingly, Senator Feinstein from California stated that she did not believe there were any grounds on which to filibuster Judge Alito.  Sen. Feinstein stated, When it comes to filibustering a Supreme Court appointment, you really have to have something out there, whether its gross moral turpitude or something that comes to the surface.  She then went on to say that although she disagrees with Judge Alito, that doesnt mean he shouldnt be on the Court. 

We are moving aggressively to ensure a prompt up-or-down vote in the full Senate.  Our staff is working even today in trying to assess the need for any faction in order to ensure the vote of Judge Alito takes place.  As I mentioned in last weeks posting, the Supreme Court has held the case involving partial-birth abortion out of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.  This is a critically important case and one that I believe, with Judge Alito on the Court, we could well see a victory.  Having said that, theres no doubt that some on the Senate Judiciary Committee are doing everything in their power to delay what I believe will be the inevitable.  I have no doubt that Judge Alito will be the 108^th Justice to the Supreme Court of the United States. 

Although I am confident of Judge Alitos confirmation, we still need everyones support to keep the pressure on to ensure that the nomination does go forward.  If you have not yet joined us in our Petition to Support Judge Alito, I encourage you to do so today by simply clicking here.  If you have already signed the Petition, I want to thank you for your support and encourage you to send the Petition to your friends and family in order to make sure this fine nominee is confirmed to the Supreme Court of the United States.