Dear Senator,
In the infamous run-up to the congressional authorization to use military force, your impassioned call to not give Mr. Bush a blank check resonated with a large number of administration critics. Now we find out that our President not only grabbed the check, he also snatched the entire checkbook and claimed the authority to do whatever he wished, with no regard for the country's reputation, its defenders' lives, or its treasure. By supporting Judge Alito's nomination to the Supreme Court, you may be giving Mr. Bush a blank check to continue his radical transformation of the executive power.
over please
The concept of judicial restraint and judicial independence you are so eloquently referring to in your letter of support for Judge Alito are a desirable goal. However, several recent cases decided by the Supreme Court step right in the middle of the constitutional division of powers such as that between the States and the federal government (Bush v Gore, Ashcroft v Oregon). Time and time again the Supreme Court justices ruled not according to their judicial philosophy but in accord with their political leanings. We can expect the same with Judge Alito. The issues of executive overreach will undoubtedly reach the court. The court may be the last line of accountability for this and future administrations. Or it may become an impotent appendage of the executive. I wholeheartedly agree that the decision to cast your vote for or against the nominee is yours and yours alone. However, even while indicating your desire to vote in the affirmative for the nominee, I implore you not to force cloture if your fellow Senators, such as Senator Feinstein or Senator Boxer representing my state, decide to extend debate.
This was the letter I sent to Senator Byrd, who knows all about the nuclear option, senatorial decorum and blank checks. We still have 4 days before the votes are cast. Hurry up and do SOMETHING.