Differing opinions on Alito

First the always entertaining Sen. (hic) Kennedy: WASHINGTON (AP)-[off the wire, no link]-Sen. Edward Kennedy was among the first Democrats to sharply criticize President George W. Bush's choice of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court. In a statement, Kennedy called it a "nomination based on weakness, not on strength." While acknowledging that Alito is intelligent and experienced on the bench, the Massachusetts senator says the nominee, if confirmed, could "fundamentally alter the balance" of the Supreme Court," and push the court "dangerously to the right." Kennedy said Bush is trying to mend fences with Republican conservatives by choosing a nominee with "extreme" views, after the failed nomination of Harriet Miers. Copyright © 2005 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.(AP-DJ)--10-31-05 0902EST And now Ronald Cass WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -[off the wire, no link]- The following is a statement by Ronald A. Cass on the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court: In announcing his intention to nominate Judge Sam Alito to be Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, President Bush has selected an extremely smart, principled, and thoughtful jurist with impeccable credentials. Judge Alito has served his nation with distinction and has worked to uphold the rule of law as a prosecutor, a high-ranking government official, and, for the past fifteen years, as a judge. Judge Alito has the experience, the temperament, and the demonstrated commitment to constitutional text, structure, and history, that should make him an excellent justice. I hope that the United States Senate will take up his nomination quickly, with the sort of dignified proceeding appropriate to the confirmation process. This process should not focus on ideology or on the association of particular Supreme Court positions with ideological or demographic characteristics of those who have held the position before. The ability and temperament of the nominee should be the sole concern of the confirmation process. On those scores, there is no doubt that this nominee excels. - Ronald A. Cass is President of Cass & Associates, PC, Dean Emeritus of Boston University School of Law, and Co-Chairman of the Committee for Justice. SOURCE The Committee for Justice Story Time 10/31/2005 6:21:30 AM I'm more inclined to believe the honorable Ronald Cass simply because Ted can't make a coherent argument without spilling his scotch. As far as conservatives are concerned, they ought to be much happier with thhis nominee. Hopefully we don't Bork ourselves again.