My response from Barbara Mikulski

[MissWaverly]

Thank you for getting in touch with me about your views on the nomination of Judge Samuel A. Alito to Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States . It's good to hear from you. My decision on a Supreme Court nomination is one of the most important I make as a Senator. I want you to know that in evaluating any judicial nomination, I use three criteria. I believe nominees should be competent, possess the highest integrity, and be dedicated to protecting the core constitutional values and guarantees.

I have concluded that I must oppose Judge Alito's nomination, because I still don't know who the real Judge Alito is. I have too many doubts about his commitment to providing access to courts for Americans, ensuring appropriate checks and balances among the three branches of government, and the fundamental right to privacy.

I thoroughly examined Judge Alito's qualifications and record by reviewing the background reports, the American Bar Association evaluation, his Judiciary Committee testimony, and his writings. A Justice of the Supreme Court must be able to see through the abstractions and understand the role of the law in the lives of all Americans, not just the powerful and influential. A Justice must make the marble motto over the Supreme Court "Equal Justice Under the Law" a reality for all Americans. And while the President has the right to make nominations to the Supreme Court, our Constitution is clear - it demands that the Senate not be a rubber stamp on judicial nominees.

Every vote for a Supreme Court Justice is momentous with lasting effects for decades, but this vote to replace Justice O'Connor simply could not be more important. The seat that Judge Alito has been nominated to replace is a seat of moderation. While Justice O'Connor represented mainstream America , Judge Alito has shown in his decisions his support for big business, for the executive branch, but not so much for everyday Americans. That is why I cannot support this nomination.



Thanks again for bringing your thoughts to my attention. If there's anything I can do for you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.

[astonamous]

1. Wow, I wish I still lived in Maryland - instead of UTAH! n/t

[Totally Committed]

2. She's a good one...

Not perfect, but if we had more Senators like her and none like Lieberman, this vote would have turned out differently.

TC

[many a good man]

3. Robo-letter; I just got two of 'em!

God bless her any way. I wish everybody had a Senator (or two) just like her.