Oregon Senator Ron Wyden to oppose Alito

AP ^ | 1-20-2006 | MATTHEW DALY

[nwrep]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden said Friday he will oppose Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, saying he is not convinced that Alito will bring an impartial viewpoint to the court.

Wyden, a Democrat, met with Alito on Wednesday and talked about executive power, legal precedents and abortion rights.

“I cannot reconcile the seemingly moderate and amiable jurist of the past few weeks” with Alito’s two-decade record as a federal appeals court judge and official in the Reagan and Bush administrations, Wyden said Friday.

“It is my conclusion that Judge Alito’s record portends a view on the power of the president that would undermine our proven and constitutionally-mandated system of checks and balances,” Wyden said.

“His record demonstrates a dangerous and narrow interpretation of the commerce clause (of the Constitution), which could lead to results that would threaten the health and safety of all Americans.”

Wyden also criticized Alito for “standing with large, corporate polluters who fouled our air, poisoned our waters, and then don’t want to pay for it.”

Wyden is the latest among a growing number of Democrats who say they will oppose Alito, a veteran appeals court judge from New Jersey. Wyden voted for Chief Justice John Roberts last fall.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote Tuesday on Alito’s nomination to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, with the full Senate voting after that. Alito is widely expected to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled chamber.

Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., has said he expects to vote for Alito, calling him “supremely qualified.”

[phoenix0468]

What do FReepers think the odds on a filibuster are now?

I say let them. It won't block the confirmation of Alito, it will just show middle America the extent to which a leftist will go to cry like a baby.

[tiki]

Here's what my Dim senator said.

"Thank you for contacting me regarding the nomination of Judge Samuel > Alito to be an Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. I > appreciate your taking the time to write. > > > > As you know, the President nominated Judge Alito to replace Justice > Sandra Day O'Connor. I have stated that I would like this nominee be a > moderate, and someone whose views are generally consistent with those of > Justice O'Connor on many of the important issues. This nominee will be > replacing a justice who cast the deciding vote on numerous cases that > upheld the broad application of laws guaranteeing the rights of women, > minorities, and disabled people. It is currently unclear to me whether > Judge Alito is that person. Please be assured I will keep your comments > in mind as I thoroughly scrutinize this nomination to ensure that it is > in the best interest of New Mexicans. > >

[phoenix0468]

My dad called it optirectalitis. I almost blew snot when he told me that the first time.

[AbeKrieger]

in the best interest of New Mexicans

what about the best interests of the Old Mexicans. :)

[NapkinUser]

"As you know, the President nominated Judge Alito to replace Justice > Sandra Day O'Connor. I have stated that I would like this nominee be a > moderate"

Where were the democrats screaming for a moderate when Clinton nominated Ginsburg to replace White?

[Hilltop]

Why, of course. White people are never poor. Women includes single, and married Caucasian women cooking mac and cheese to feed their "chillrun."

Yep, only negros, a derivation of "negra", which is Spanish are the sole possesor of modern day "poverty" and its inherent struggles.

Feh.

[ImpeachandRemove]

"Wyden, I believe, is the dumbest member of the senate."

Yes, truly dumb. However, have you mentally misplaced Patsy Murray? I believe she could oust Wyden or any other challenger in a race to the IQ cellar.

[Prost1]

That is what the past and future elections are about.

No matter how much we despise Bush's catering to Vicente Fox and sucking up to Ted Kennedy and Vlad Putin, we elected him because of his commitment to appoint conservative judges.

Not Harrit Meiers, but known conservative Judges!

And regardless of the current state of corruption in the Abramoff scandal, concerned citizens cannot allow the House or Senate to go to anti-American socialists!

This bunch of socialist who call themselves democrats want activists judges who will make law from the bench which they, the legislators could never get passed. They want the courts to shove their goals down our throats as public policy.

It is time we played turn-around. If that means scaring Stevens (83) to his grave or tickling Ginzburg's (72) butt (it is rumored she has colon cancer), then like the dem untergrund, we must pull the stops out so Bush get 1 or 2 more picks.
And if not Bush, we have to make sure the next President is conservative and has a Senate to back him/her.

Only with a conservative court can we restore the Constitution!

And I don't want to be hearing any "viva la raza" stuff either. The dems gamble is that by getting the courts to do their dirty business, they hope they can control the outcome. But when I see all the illegals standing around Home Depot looking for work and no one asking for ID, I worry! Who is feeding them? Hungry people become desperate people.

[demlosers]

This is not about Altio. It's all about "O'Connor's seat" and their crazy base. There is no difference between Roberts and Alito. If Roberts came second Wyden would have voted against him.

Correct.

[Shortstop7]

I saw that too........I think the all wonderful Obama is just a typical Dem. Talks out of both corners of his mouth, and never really says anything useful.

Just makes sure not to say anything good about the current administration.

I hope his glory is shortlived....

[bybybill]

Heard the latest joke? Ron Wyden
He ALWAYS votes as he is told.
The guy hasn`t ever had an original thought.
I once asked him to name the times he voted differently from Tiny Tom. He blustered around, claiming he was an independent Rat but, when pressed, said that Tiny Tom did agree with Weyden a lot. Right.
Now Smiley Harry controls Ron`s vote.

[Txsleuth]

I don't know...but I think the people of Minnesota might put Dayton up against your Wyden any day of the week...LOL

[gov_bean_ counter]

The Dems will not filibuster this one. They would lose. They have to save it for a year or two down the line when they have to protect a decidedly liberal seat.

[Buck W.]

Wyden also criticized Alito for “standing with large, corporate polluters who fouled our air, poisoned our waters, and then don’t want to pay for it.”

But what about the law, Senator? Suppose the law was on the side of those large corporate polluters? Ruling in opposition to the law is tantamout to legislating. By your comment, that's apparently what you want a judge to do.

[Txsleuth]

When he was talking about Iraq...I kept envisioning his laundry that came back with him...I have a feeling his shorts ended up being throw-aways...

He is much, much to "metro" to handle Iraq very well...LOL

[B Knotts]

Politicians from Oregon oppose Alito?

Well, I don't think Sen. Gordon Smith opposes him.

He may be a bit squishy, but at least he votes right on judges.

[ShandaLear]

DUmmer than Patty Murray?

[TeleStraightShooter]

Drip

Drip,

Drip

The (D)s are so predictable.
All they are holding are Drips.

[Emmett McCarthy]

Well, whoop-de-'effin-do! No one cares.

[pangaea6]

Illinois will never vote Obama out now, he'll win several terms and one day will be the Elder Black statesman of the senate and will be quoted breathlessly by the MSM.