Some Democrats announce opposition to Alito

by on January 20th, 2006

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002750651_alito20.html

The newly announced opponents included Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.; Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.; Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill.; and Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo. Leahy and Salazar voted in favor of Roberts.

On Wednesday, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., another Roberts backer, said he will oppose Alito.

Leahy, citing concerns over President Bush’s authorization of warrantless eavesdropping on U.S. citizens, said Alito failed to allay fears he would endorse such powers.

Salazar cited concerns over executive power and fears that Alito would close courthouses “to the weakest and poorest” in society. Kennedy called Alito’s record “clear and ominous” on issues of executive power.

One Democrat, Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, has announced his support for Alito.

Etalkinghead Staff