Abortion rights Democrats and Civil Rights leaders are openly talking about trying to block the U.S. Supreme Court nomination of federal appeals judge Samuel Alito of New Jersey.
“The filibuster’s on the table,” Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer of California said as Alito headed back to Capitol Hill on Tuesday. Alito is courting Republicans crucial to his attempt to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Bush nominated Alito to the Supreme Court on Monday as a substitute for White House counsel Harriet Miers, who withdrew last week after conservatives refused to support her. Some other critics also said she wasn’t qualified.
But Alito found steadfast support after Bush announced his selection, with GOP senators saying he deserved a Senate confirmation vote and threatening to eliminate judicial filibusters if Democrats try to block the White House’s newest high court nominee.
“If someone would filibuster … I would be prepared to vote to change the rules,” said Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., a member of the Judiciary Committee: “If confirmed, Alito could very well fundamentally alter the balance of the court and push it dangerously to the right.”