By Terry Gildea
Washington, DC – Members of the US Senate engaged in floor debate Wednesday over whether to confirm Samuel Alito as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Democratic New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton says she will oppose the nominee.
When running for the US Senate in 2000, Clinton pledged she would only vote for judicial nominees who would affirm what she calls constitutional precedents, including Roe v. Wade. She says Judge Alito's confirmation would be a step backward for America.
"I fear that Judge Alito will roll back decades of progress and roll over when confronted with an administration too willing to flaunt the rules and looking for a rubber stamp," Clinton said.
Despite opposition from most Democrats Alito appears headed toward confirmation. A vote in the Senate could come within the next week.