Bush should have expected this BS when he choose to campaign for Arlen Specter over a real conservative like Pat Toomey.
Just call O'Connor to the white house and ask if she'll step aside for a recess appointment. If she says yes, recess appoint Alito so he can hear the important cases until his confirmation hearings start on January 9.
Actually, through a recess appointment, Alito wouldn't have to have a confirmation hearing until the new congress convenes in 2007.
Once again everyone, recess appointments are only for Executive Branch positions that require approval from the Senate. There are NO - Nada "recess appointments" in regards to the Judicial Branch, sorry everyone - that is what the Constitution requires.
tuck