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They're delaying it because between now and January, Sandra Day O'Connor will rule on some important cases brought before the SCOTUS (including abortion) per Shepherd Smith on FOX Radio.

Apparently McPain predicted confirmation....

McCain predicts confirmation

Earlier in the day, the influential group of Senate moderates known as the "Gang of 14" emerged from their first meeting on the nomination with the message that "everyone is reserving judgment on everything," in the words of Sen. Mark Pryor, an Arkansas Democrat. The group -- which earlier this year reached a compromise to head off a showdown over several Bush nominations for the federal courts -- could have tremendous sway over Alito's fate, particularly if Senate Democrats attempt to filibuster the conservative judge. "It's way too early to talk about some of the more divisive things that have been talked about in the past," Sen. Ben Nelson, a Nebraska Democrat, said after the meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes. "We're going to let the process unfold, make up our minds as we go along. But nobody's talking about those issues that would break up the gang or cause a rule change or a filibuster," Nelson said. "Some of us are more favorably disposed than others," said Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican who held the meeting. McCain said he is "very favorably disposed" toward Alito, but "it's my obligation to go along with the Gang of 14 and have periodic meetings and discussions." The former presidential candidate later told CNN that he expected Alita to be confirmed. Republican Sens. Mike DeWine of Ohio, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Olympia Snowe of Maine have said they don't see Alito triggering the "extraordinary circumstances" standard the group had set that could initiate a filibuster. "Judge Alito's nomination has been here a week," McCain said. "To make a conclusion before even one hearing is held is not the way the 14 are going to function, as far as I know."

They're delaying it because between now and January, Sandra Day O'Connor will rule on some important cases brought before the SCOTUS (including abortion) per Shepherd Smith on FOX Radio.

Can't the Chief Justice hold the whole thing up until Alito is on?