Congressional Black Caucus to Oppose Alito

Congressional Black Caucus to Oppose Alito



By JESSE J. HOLLAND Associated Press Writer

December 07,2005 | WASHINGTON -- Most of Congress' black lawmakers will oppose the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, officials said Wednesday.

The Congressional Black Caucus also opposed the nomination of now-Chief Justice John Roberts, but waited until his confirmation hearings to announce that position. The group was preparing an announcement about Alito on Thursday, ahead of his confirmation hearings that begin Jan. 9.

President Bush nominated the 55-year-old federal appeals court judge on Oct. 31. If confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate, Alito would succeed retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. She has often case the swing vote on abortion, the death penalty, affirmative action and other contentious issues.

"The members of the CBC are concerned about Judge Alito's opinions, many in dissent, in race cases where his decisions have disproportionately affected African-Americans," said Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C., the caucus chairman. "We are troubled by what appears to be a very conservative judicial philosophy that seems greatly at odds with much of 20th century constitutional jurisprudence," Watt said.

http://www.salon.com/wire/ap/archive.html?wire=D8EBKOR82.html

What am I missing?

The man has not had his hearings yet.

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., a caucus member, has not decided how he will vote on Alito's nomination, a spokesman said. The other members of the caucus are in the House, which does not vote on judicial nominees.

:patriot:

The CBC is the only group that does it.

I believe Alito should get hearings, & then people can decide.

Opposing him before a hearing makes it easier for Republicans to scream "Obstructionists!"

I think folks have enough information to express an opinion. I don't exactly trust that what really needs to be known about his judicial philosophy will come out in the hearings. Reading his opinions and written work gives a far better picture of that. How consistent his reasoning is through various the kinds of cases is important. Some of that can be determined from his opinions themselves, the hearings can give him an opportunity to explain further. But his work stands on its own.

The hearings can be important, but I don't discount the people who have formed their opinions.