ABC News
reports Senator Joe Biden as "Samuel Alito Likely to Get Up-Or-Down Vote With No Filibuster."
"We should commit," said Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., minimizing prospects of a Senate filibuster that would prevent final action on President Bush's choice to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
"I think the probability is that will happen," Biden said on ABC's "This Week." Read the rest below the fold:
Alito's confirmation hearings begin in the committee on Jan. 9. Some Democrats have raised the prospect of a filibuster until they get a fuller sense of his views on abortion and other social issues on which O'Connor has been a swing vote.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., one of 14 centrists who averted a Senate breakdown over judicial nominees last spring, said most members of the centrist group including himself are "favorably disposed" toward Alito.
The Democrats "are making up their minds and waiting for the hearings which is entirely appropriate, ... but so far I have not seen any significant concern that might lead to the filibuster," McCain said on "Fox News Sunday."
Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., said he will support Alito based on his conservative philosophy as well as his credentials as a former government lawyer and prosecutor.
"I think he represents the best of judicial prudence, style and qualifications," Hagel said.
It is now necessary for us to tell our Senators that Mr. Alito is not acceptable to us. We must make this message loud and clear. Starting now.