This morning, Senator Ted Kennedy asserted on the Senate floor that there hasn't been adequate debate on the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito. This could easily be translated into "Over the past 3 months we have not been able to dig up any dirt on Alito to derail his nomination." Kennedy thinks we're all stupid and that he's really interested in more debate and not simply blocking Alito's nomination.
But, what did Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid have say about this last week?
“Mr. President, I wish to express the appreciation on our side for giving us adequate time to talk about this most important nomination. The distinguished majority leader could have filed cloture last night because I told him I didn't have it cleared yet for a time-certain vote. There has been adequate time for people to debate. No one can complain in this matter that there hasn't been sufficient time to talk about Judge Alito, pro or con.”
[U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Congressional Record, January 26, 2006 S. 197]
We don't need more debate. Everyone know how they plan to vote, and probably most have known for nearly 3 months. It's time for the Senate to do their job.
UPDATE: Some numbers for you from the Judiciary Committee...
Time from President’s announcement of nomination until confirmation:
- Average of O’Connor, Ginsburg, Breyer, Roberts: 68 days
- Alito (if confirmed on January 31): 92 days
Time from President’s announcement of nomination to start of hearing:
- William Rehnquist (Assoc.): 13 days
- John Paul Stevens: 10 days
- Sandra Day O’Connor: 64 days
- William Rehnquist (Chief): 29 days
- Antonin Scalia: 49 days
- Anthony Kennedy: 33 days
- David Souter: 52 days
- Clarence Thomas: 71 days
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg: 36 days
- Stephen Breyer: 60 days
- John Roberts: 55 days
- Samuel Alito: 70 days
Posted by Matt at January 30, 2006 11:26 AM
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The idea is to just get the message out there and to try to convey to the people that they have principles to stand on. They talked big about how dangerous Alito was and if they just give up before the vote and go along, they look even weaker than had they lose a stand decisively. Its all about the image.
Posted by: Steve at January 30, 2006 11:53 AM
The democrats never play by the rules; they're spoiled in every sense of the word. They have no integrity; they have no honor and renig on any gentlemen's agreement (Leahy lying to Spector last Fall about the Alito vote from Committee).
Although Chafee has now once again shown he is unrelaiable, nevertheless Alito will be Justice Alito by tomorrow evening. I pray we get another opportunity--maybe even two more--to put a conservative jurist on the Court. That should seal the fate of democrats for many, many years. Nothing better than a stake through the heart of arrogance!
Posted by: David at January 30, 2006 12:26 PM
Let's suppose we did need more debate...well, Senator, exactly how long do you need? What topics will we discuss? Because during the hearings you sure seemed to be grasping at straws. This is ridiculous---end the debate, and confirm Alito. He deserves and up or down vote.
Posted by: Burky at January 30, 2006 03:11 PM
Wow, a pure and simple truth post from Steve. I never thought I'd see the day. (J/K with ya Steve.)
Posted by:
Gozer at January 30, 2006 04:28 PM
Kennedy was so angry today and shouting his face was all red. I was surprised he didnt just drop right then and there of a heart attack. hey wishful thinking lol. He has nothing to say so he just yells nonsense i would be embarrassed if i were a Democrat.
Posted by: Jodi at January 31, 2006 02:25 AM
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The idea is to just get the message out there and to try to convey to the people that they have principles to stand on. They talked big about how dangerous Alito was and if they just give up before the vote and go along, they look even weaker than had they lose a stand decisively. Its all about the image.
The democrats never play by the rules; they're spoiled in every sense of the word. They have no integrity; they have no honor and renig on any gentlemen's agreement (Leahy lying to Spector last Fall about the Alito vote from Committee).
Although Chafee has now once again shown he is unrelaiable, nevertheless Alito will be Justice Alito by tomorrow evening. I pray we get another opportunity--maybe even two more--to put a conservative jurist on the Court. That should seal the fate of democrats for many, many years. Nothing better than a stake through the heart of arrogance!
Let's suppose we did need more debate...well, Senator, exactly how long do you need? What topics will we discuss? Because during the hearings you sure seemed to be grasping at straws. This is ridiculous---end the debate, and confirm Alito. He deserves and up or down vote.
Wow, a pure and simple truth post from Steve. I never thought I'd see the day. (J/K with ya Steve.)
Kennedy was so angry today and shouting his face was all red. I was surprised he didnt just drop right then and there of a heart attack. hey wishful thinking lol. He has nothing to say so he just yells nonsense i would be embarrassed if i were a Democrat.