October 31, 2005

Alito Nominated

Hooray! President Bush got his act together. Appeals Court Judge Samuel Alito has been nominated to replace Sandra Day O'Connor. The conservative spin is Alito has a first-rate mind is more qualified than Chief Justice Roberts. In a blast e-mail Ed Whelan said, " By any objective criteria, it is doubtful that there is anyone now or in recent decades (yes, not even Chief Justice Roberts) whose experience and qualifications better prepare him for the Supreme Court."

The Left and their allies in the MSM has already jumped on Alito's dissent in the Casey case. (Hmm... was the AP spoonfed this story from pro-abortionists as easily as I was fed favorable Alito quotes?) He thought the Pennsylvania legislature had the power to make wives tell (but not require consent from) their husbands they're having an abortion. He wrote,

The Pennsylvania legislature could have rationally believed that some married women are initially inclined to obtain an abortion without their husbands' knowledge because of perceived problems — such as economic constraints, future plans or the husbands' previously expressed opposition — that may be obviated by discussion prior to the abortion.

Sen. Harry Reid wondered "if the man replacing Miers is too radical for the American people." How radical could he be if the Senate unanimously confirmed him? Or has he "grown" more conservative while on the bench? If so, it would be one of the first instances in modern legal history. Sen. Ted Kennedy wondered if Alito was "mainstream." GOP staffers passed out a quote of Kennedy saying, "You have obviously had a very distinguished record, and I certainly commend you for long service in the public interest. I think it is a very commendable career and I am sure you will have a successful one as a judge."

Michelle Malkin sums up the Right's pleasure in a serious nomination writing simply, "Experienced. Well-thought-of by conservative constitutional scholars. Not a diversity/crony pick. Young. This is a nominee the Right can get behind." James Joyner thinks Alito will have a semi-smooth sail through the Senate. I don't see that. Too much money on the Right and Left are just waiting to be unleashed in opposition research and tv commercials.

"Bush Nominates Alito for Supreme Court"

"This Time, Liberals Voice Opposition"