Alito: abortion not constitutional
It's always strange to see news coming from the Washington Times, especially when it could hurt a conservative. But it appears that Alito's paper trail has revealed his right-wing bona fides for all to see.
"I am and always have been a conservative," [Alito] wrote in an attachment to the noncareer appointment form that he sent to the Presidential Personnel Office. "I am a lifelong registered Republican."
But his statements against abortion and affirmative action might cause him headaches from Democrats and liberals as he prepares for confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee, scheduled for January.
"It has been an honor and source of personal satisfaction for me to serve in the office of the Solicitor General during President Reagan's administration and to help to advance legal positions in which I personally believe very strongly," he wrote.
"I am particularly proud of my contributions in recent cases in which the government has argued in the Supreme Court that racial and ethnic quotas should not be allowed and that the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion."
UPDATE: We're seeing the same tactic that was presented with Roberts and Miers-- what Alito said twenty years ago isn't relevant, because people change. As Think Progress notes, Bush has even made a point of stating that he chose nominees whose positions wouldn't change over time. As recently as October. So there you have it: a ready-made rejoinder using Fearless Leader's own words.
"I am and always have been a conservative," [Alito] wrote in an attachment to the noncareer appointment form that he sent to the Presidential Personnel Office. "I am a lifelong registered Republican."
But his statements against abortion and affirmative action might cause him headaches from Democrats and liberals as he prepares for confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee, scheduled for January.
"It has been an honor and source of personal satisfaction for me to serve in the office of the Solicitor General during President Reagan's administration and to help to advance legal positions in which I personally believe very strongly," he wrote.
"I am particularly proud of my contributions in recent cases in which the government has argued in the Supreme Court that racial and ethnic quotas should not be allowed and that the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion."
UPDATE: We're seeing the same tactic that was presented with Roberts and Miers-- what Alito said twenty years ago isn't relevant, because people change. As Think Progress notes, Bush has even made a point of stating that he chose nominees whose positions wouldn't change over time. As recently as October. So there you have it: a ready-made rejoinder using Fearless Leader's own words.
posted by Matt Sandwich | 4:02 PM
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