Collins, a Republican, said Alito has excellent qualifications and has received the highest possible recommendation from the American Bar Association. She said she was impressed with testimony on Alito's behalf during his confirmation hearing from seven of his colleagues on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Maine's other U.S. senator, Olympia Snowe, was still weighing the nomination and has not announced her decision, said spokeswoman Antonia Ferrier.