G.O.P. Senator Opposes Alito as Vote to End Debate Nears

[dogday]

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 — Senator Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island today became the first Republican senator to oppose the nomination of Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. to the Supreme Court. But the judge still seemed to have enough support for an all-important vote this afternoon.

"Judge Alito has outstanding legal credentials and an inspiring life story," Mr. Chafee said, in a statement released by his office. "However, I am greatly concerned about his philosophy on some important constitutional issues."

Mr. Chafee said he wanted to support President Bush's choice. "The president did win the election," the senator said. But he added, "I am a pro-choice, pro-environment, pro-Bill of Rights Republican, and I will be voting against this nomination."

Still, Mr. Chafee's spokesman, Stephen Hourahan, said the senator would not support Democratic attempts to block Judge Alito's confirmation by a filibuster, a delay-by-debate tactic that requires 60 votes to defeat.





http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=5691

[Generator]

1. Yeah but

The Democrats made Mrs. Alito cry..they were mean! And that's why we must give him the next 30 years to trash civil liberties! WHAT? There is a Republican that cares about something more? I just fainted.

[DoYouEverWonder]

2. Alright!

Good for Chafee. The freepers must be having fits.

[Halliburton]

6. it says he's voting for cloture

he's trying to dupe his voters

[liberalla]

3. Bravo! Thank you Senator Chafee!

Mr. Chafee said he wanted to support President Bush's choice. "The president did win the election," the senator said. But he added, "I am a pro-choice, pro-environment, pro-Bill of Rights Republican, and I will be voting against this nomination."

Straight talk. Plain and simple.

[SharonRB]

4. I just hope Snowe joins him

She's the only Repub who hasn't said how they're going to vote.

And they've lost Ensign's vote, since he won't be able to be there since his car accident.

[Radio_Lady]

8. What was Ensign doing in Nevada this morning? Are there other

senators missing in action?

[SharonRB]

11. I haven't heard about any.

I'm sure they're all planning to be there. This is too important.

[catmother]

5. a republican that can think for himself. nt

[tsuki]

7. Well what do you make of this-

"I am a pro-choice, pro-environment, pro-Bill of Rights Republican,"

Rather chilling who he is sitting among.

[derby378]

9. Nice, but...

...if he opposes a filibuster, it may be of no help to us.

[Radio_Lady]

10. Is there going to be a roll call or will it just be the usual way they

vote?

[saltpoint]

12. I have been proved dead wrong on Chafee on this particular vote and I

am glad he is at least voting against the nomination.