Durbin Statement Regarding the Nomination of Samuel Alito to the U. S. Supreme Court

DURBIN STATEMENT REGARDING THE NOMINATION OF SAMUEL ALITO TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement regarding President Bush's nomination of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court:

"The Harriet Miers nomination was a learning experience for America."

"The most extreme elements of the Republican party forced the President to withdraw the Miers nomination. We now have to ask the basic questions of Judge Alito to determine whether he is in the mainstream or whether this nomination is simply an effort to appease the far right wing."

"I have reviewed a number of the cases on which Judge Alito has ruled, including those involving civil rights, women's rights and the power of Congress to deal with issues facing this nation. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I will have a series of questions that need to be answered before I am satisfied that this nominee meets the test for this lifetime appointment."

Senator Durbin is the Assistant Democratic Leader and has served on the Senate Judiciary Committee for 7 years. The Judiciary Committee is comprised of 10 Republicans and 8 Democrats.

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=248002&&