Senate Republicans Seek to Force Vote on Alito
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WASHINGTON (AP) – Die-hard Democratic critics of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito threatened to block a vote on his confirmation Thursday, and Republicans countered with a move designed to ensure his approval by early next week.
“It is time to establish an end point” in the debate over President Bush’s selection to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.
Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid offered no support for Sens. John Kerry, Edward M. Kennedy and other members of the rank-and-file who are threatening a filibuster in an attempt to keep Alito off the high court.
“There’s been adequate time for people to debate,” Reid said.
Alito, 55 and a 15-year veteran of the federal appeals court, has well over 50 votes for confirmation. He gained the support of Democrats Tim Johnson of South Dakota and Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia during the day, and has the backing of at least 52 of the Senate’s 55 Republicans.
The Senate will vote Monday on cutting off debate. If Alito’s supporters get 60 votes in the 100-member body, the confirmation vote will follow on Tuesday.
