Democrats Push to Delay Alito Hearings

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON - Senate Democrats pushed on Tuesday for a 2006 date for hearings on Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, challenging President Bush's call for confirmation by year's end.

"There's no way you can do an honest hearing by the end of December, or a fair hearing," said Sen. Patrick Leahy (news, bio, voting record) of Vermont, the senior Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

In a jab at the White House and the Senate Republican leadership, Leahy said he and the panel's chairman, Sen. Arlen Specter (news, bio, voting record) could likely agree on a date for confirmation hearings if left to themselves.

Specter, R-Pa., was noncommittal on timing for hearings for Alito, a judge on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. "This is a swing vote on the Supreme Court.... I don't know enough yet to say whether it's realistic by the end of the year," he said.

Associated Press

[Greeby]

1. Looks like a lot more November 1st's coming our way

:bounce:

[rodeodance]

3. looky here at the cases coming up this fall.

Purely in practical terms, the timing of O'Connor's departure could have at least a temporary impact on a few cases that could split the court.

The Supreme Court has already heard arguments this fall on the Bush administration's challenge to an Oregon law that permits physician-assisted suicide. A case on the docket for Nov. 30 involves a New Hampshire's law requiring parental notification for minors seeking abortions. On Dec. 6, the justices will hear a gay rights appeal that involves the
Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" policy."

O'Connor must be a member of the court for her votes to count on any cases. If she participates in oral arguments and then retires before the rulings are issued, the court could order re-hearings, hand down decisions or decide on another course at its own discretion. Any 4-4 ruling leaves the decision of the lower court intact and does not create a precedent.

___

On the Net:

Supreme Court: http://www.supremecourtus.gov

[wakeme2008]

2. IMHO Alito is a racist from some of his "opinions"

It just needs to come out and all his Repug friends will run from him, IMHO.

[Democat]

7. Democrats had better find proof he is a racist if they want to stop him

Otherwise, we will be forced to filibuster and then force Republicans to go nuclear. That is the best case scenario, unless Democrats can show that he really is a racist.

[Patsy Stone]

4. And it is good...

Today may not be a one-time-only show of spine. :thumbsup:

[longship]

5. Leahy's job is to gently swing Spector?

The Dem plan has got to be to embrace the Rep moderates and bring them along. The need for a filibuster goes away if the Dems have the time to swing a few moderate Reps. A little delay in the proceedings helps the plan succeed.

[DeepModem Mom]

6. kick

[IndianaGreen]

8. Keep O'Connor on SCOTUS through the end of this term

and have hearings on Scalito next year.

[cassiepriam]

9. Did I miss something? Dems actually standing up making noise?

I hope to God they keep it up!

[ElectroPrincess]

10. I'm with you cassiepraim

I'm lighting a candle after Mass today to reflect my true gratitude for the brave Democrats in the Senate. My personal wish that God will keep them honest and moral.

But NO WORRIES, don't get me wrong = No mixing of church and state beliefs with me. Just my personal wishes to help encourage INTELLIGENT, EMPATHETIC and HUMANE leadership in our government.

I should just do the above act quietly, without mention. Pride is always my primary sin. :blush: However, I just want some who are discouraged with "The RW Bravado Christians" to please be aware in the back of your mind ---> there are MANY of us "non-advertising" liberal Christians who are silently "working the system" to serve those in need without preaching or FORCING the specifics of our faith on others.

I loved John Kerry, though he'd make an excellent President and considered him a GOOD Catholic. Liberal Christians believe that they should not FORCE their beliefs on others. Instead, we should encourage people to our belief through example and reaching out ... gently in invitation. And we firmly believe in The Separation of Church and State.

Please know they we are here ... that not all Christians (specifically the Catholic Variety) are the "foaming at the mouth" kind? <g>

[cassiepriam]

11. I with you. I am saying a Hail Mary as we speak!

And thanking God for the recent profiles in courage.

[stilpist]

12. No court appointments should be alllowed

from a pResident* that is facing likely impeachment!