Kent Conrad (D-ND) has stated that he will vote for Samuel Alito. More after the flip:
Here's his press release:
01/30/06
Washington -- Senator Kent Conrad announced today that he will cast his vote to confirm Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court and issued the following statement.
"I reached this decision after careful consideration. I have reviewed Judge Alito's record and background and have had two extended meetings with him. I have reached this conclusion for the following reasons:
"First, the American Bar Association has given Judge Alito its highest rating on a unanimous vote.
"Second, he has served for the past 15 years on the second highest court in the land, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and he was unanimously confirmed for that position.
"Third, it is clear that both the majority of my constituents and the majority of the American people are in favor of Judge Alito's confirmation.
"Fourth, Judge Alito has testified, under oath, that he brings no ideological agenda to the Court.
"Fifth, Judge Alito looked me in the eye and told me that he will not conduct himself based on an ideological agenda. He promised me that he would judge each case based on its merits and protect and defend the liberties set out in the Constitution.
"And finally, Judge Alito has assured me that the President is bound by the statutes passed by Congress and that he supports the system of checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution."
Senator Conrad also said he will not support a filibuster of the Supreme Court nominee. A final vote on the confirmation of Judge Alito to the Supreme Court has been scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Senator Conrad has supported 217 of President Bush's judicial nominations, including Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts.
This guy is a complete idiot. I hope all the bloggers here send him a nasty e-mail. I know I will.