By Jill Morrison
Washington, DC – US Senator Charles Schumer, D-New York, told Supreme Court nominee Judge Samuel Alito Monday that his bar for approval is far higher than it was for other nominees.
Schumer says he has serious concerns about Alito's record as a federal judge and a lawyer for the US Solicitor General's Office under President Reagan. The Senator is worried Alito's judicial views are outside the mainstream and Schumer expressed those views on the first day of confirmation hearings.
"Judge Alito, in case after case, you give the impression of careful legal reasoning, but too may times you reach the most conservative result," Schumer said.
New York's senior senator will question the judge on abortion, congressional authority, and executive power. Schumer's also indicated he will not support Alito unless the nominee fully answers his questions.
The hearings are expected to last through the week, and possibly in to the weekend.