Democrat to vote for Alito

Posted on January 18, 2006

Well, at least one democrat has a little common sense.

Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska yesterday became the first Democrat to announce that he will vote to confirm Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. as the 110th associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

“At this point in time, I take him for his word,” Mr. Nelson told CNN’s Ed Henry. “His pledge and commitment and strong judicial background is strong enough for me to vote for him.”

Later, Mr. Nelson’s office released a statement.

“I have decided to vote in favor of Judge Samuel Alito,” he said. “I came to this decision after careful consideration of his impeccable judicial credentials, the American Bar Association’s strong recommendation and his pledge that he would not bring a political agenda to the court.”

Mr. Nelson is a member of the Gang of 14, a bipartisan group of senators who brokered a deal last year to end filibusters against President Bush’s lower-court nominees. Under that deal, Democrats agreed not to filibuster future nominees unless “extraordinary circumstances” arise.

In the case of Judge Alito, whose hearings were conducted last week, no such circumstances have arisen.

The Political Teen has the video

» Filed Under News, Supreme Court

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5 Responses to “Democrat to vote for Alito”

Lola on January 18th, 2006 11:20 am

Senator Nelson is setting a great example for all other senators - I appreciate his well-thought decision and appreciate of Judge Alito’s credentials. I would like to hear the reasons other Democratic senators give for NOT voting in favor of Judge Alito. Other senators, especially those in Red States, will be facing constituents who want answers if they choose to vote against him. All in all, this is a great start to garnering a confirmation.
Peter Bella on January 18th, 2006 1:26 pm

Mr. Alito represents America. Not the pathetic minority who have hijacked our culture, mores, and values, but the majority of real Americans. The middle class, eighty five percent of the population. He shares the values of honor, decency, integrity, and is immensely qualified. He has merit.

He is from Middle America and we associate with him.

It would take great courage for any Democrat to vote in favor of Mr. Alito. They can always switch sides.
Lola on January 19th, 2006 10:21 am

Most Americans associate with Judge Alito and his family - he was raised by immigrant parents who worked hard as public school teachers. He excelled in school, despite having to hand copy textbooks he could not afford to buy. His career is the epitome of the American Dream … He is a good father and husband - I think that was evident from the support he received from his wife and children during the hearings. And even though it will take great courage for a Democratic senator to vote for him, it is the right thing to do… He is incredible deserving of this post.
Louise on January 19th, 2006 12:21 pm

I must say that I’m extremely proud of Sen. Nelson. He was able to see through the dirty partisan politics and see Judge Alito for what he truly is—a well-qualified, independent and brilliant judge! Kudos to Sen. Nelson and I hope that my Senator along with other moderate Democrats will follow Nelson’s courageous lead!
ryan on January 19th, 2006 8:22 pm

I agree, let’s hope that other democrats like Nelson evaluate Judge Alito on his qualifications and his record, if they do they will surely support him.