Chambliss comments on Alito confirmation hearings

WASHINGTON (Jan. 12) – U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today released the following statement regarding the confirmation hearings of United States Supreme Court Nominee Judge Samuel Alito. 

   “Judge Alito has fielded questions for three days, from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, concerning wide-ranging Constitutional and legal issues. He has also responded to extensive questioning concerning his background and character. In my view, Judge Alito has been extraordinarily forthcoming in his responses. 

   “While he is necessarily constrained by judicial ethics in discussing particular matters which may come before the Court, Judge Alito, nevertheless expounded at length and with great patience to repetitive questions explaining how he would go about consideration of any case coming before the court. That includes consideration of the text of the Constitution or statue involved, the precedents of the Court, and the application of the facts to the law. 

   “Judge Alito's performance has solidified my very favorable impression of him and his extraordinary qualifications for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. I look forward to the remainder of the hearings, including the testimony of other witnesses, but anticipate that I will enthusiastically support his confirmation in fulfillment of my responsibilities in rendering advice and consent.”