Earlier, I posted the
New York Times editorial opposing Judge Alito's confirmation to the Supreme Court. It goes without saying I agree wholeheartedly with its sentiments.
But I think it is clear that a debate continues on whether elevating Alito to the Nation's highest Court is an acceptable result.
Because of the importance of this decision and because of the importance of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's decisive influence on so many of the monumental issues the Court faced in the last 25 years, I urge the Senate to extend debate on this most important subject.
It seems clear to me that the significance of Alito's views on executive power, access to the courts, civil liberties, the right to privacy, the federal Commerce power, and a myriad of other issues, is only now coming into proper focus. More time is needed for the Senate to properly carry out its Constitutional function of advice and consent.
An appointment to the Supreme Court is for a lifetime. Samuel Alito is 55 years old and, like Justice O'Connor, is likely to sit on the Court for a quarter century if confirmed.
Given the stakes, an additional period of consideration and debate seems appropriate. The length of this additional period need not necessarily be long nor the debate protracted. It seems to me that with a fairly brief period of consideration, the members of the Senate can chart a course for appropriate action regarding Judge Alito.
Thus, I urge the Senate, and in particular the Senators of the Democratic Caucus, to consider moving for extended debate to further consider the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court.