Free Republic

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. made it clear as he began taking questions at yesterday's National Italian American Foundation luncheon that he couldn't reveal any of the Supreme Court's forthcoming opinions. But did he at least give a hint? Two of the court's biggest remaining cases focus on the First Amendment, and while Alito didn't mention either, he did make it clear that any restrictions on speech face a high hurdle with him. "I'm a very strong believer in the First Amendment and the right of people to speak and to write," Alito said in response to a question of...

"What kind of democracy is that?" Mr. Schwarzenegger asked in his State of the State address. He noted that the current system allows special interests to dominate low-turnout party primaries, which thus favor rigidly ideological candidates in both parties. He vowed to repair this "rigged" system even though many incumbents in his own party don't want to put their own seats at risk. ... In tackling redistricting, Mr. Schwarzenegger faces a daunting political challenge. Five times in the past, voters have rejected redistricting reform, including similar commissions. Former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown boasted in the 1980s about his ability to...

2004 GOP Primary EndorsementsU.S. Senate - John McCain sure has a lot of sympathies for liberal and Democrat causes and office holders. He has opposed almost everything conservatives hold dear. This summer alone, he has defended Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry and has sided with homosexual activists over those who would defend traditional marriage. Recommendation: NONE

On Wednesday, the Senate approved the campaign finance "reform" bill. If you are not aware of what could happen to your rights under this legislation, consider this: If this bill is signed by the president, citizen groups will be restricted in putting on radio and television ads that mention candidates 60 days before an election or 30 days before a primary. Supporters of this bill, including our own Sen. John McCain, admit that this bill will have to be fought out in the courts. That's because the First Amendment states that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of...