Alito was nominated by George H. W. Bush on February 20, 1990 to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Alito was rated by the American Bar Association as "Well Qualified" at the time of his nomination. He was confirmed by unanimous consent in the Senate on April 27, 1990[10]. As a Third Circuit judge, his chambers are in Newark, New Jersey.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Alito
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Judge Samuel Alito on Wednesday gained the American Bar Association's highest rating for a Supreme Court nominee, giving him a boost before next week's Senate confirmation hearings. ...The "well qualified" rating -- the highest -- is the same one that Alito earned in 1990 when President Bush's father, George H.W. Bush, nominated him to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-01-04-alito_x.htm
Thanks! I need references. Not that I like Wikipedia.....but.....it will be useful for libs.