Key Republican sees no grounds for Alito filibuster

By Joanne Kenen

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Senate Republican who will
preside over Judge Samuel Alito’s confirmation hearings said on
Thursday he sees no “extraordinary circumstances” that could
provoke a filibuster against President George W. Bush’s nominee
for the Supreme Court.

Pennsylvania Republican Arlen Specter, chairman of the
Judiciary Committee, was asked about prospects of a filibuster
after the Congressional Black Caucus came out against the
conservative Alito, citing his record on civil rights.

One caucus member, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton of the
District of Columbia, said Alito’s record shows he is “nothing
short of hostile to race discrimination cases.”

Several liberal Democratic women, joined by groups
including the National Women’s Law Center, also came out
against the nomination on Thursday. House members do not vote
on Supreme Court nominations but they hope their voices
influence the debate.

Alito, a conservative appeals court judge, would replace
the more moderate Sandra Day O’Connor, who is retiring.

The black caucus asked for a meeting with the bipartisan
Senate “Gang of 14,” which has opposed filibusters — a
parliamentary move in which a minority can block a nomination
– except under “extraordinary circumstances.”

Specter, however, said, “I don’t believe there are
extraordinary circumstances, which is the touchstone for
talking about filibuster. I haven’t heard any serious
consideration being given to that subject by any senators.”

Specter also said he wished interest groups and fellow
lawmakers would wait for the hearings, set to start January 9,
before reaching a conclusion. The black caucus did not come out
against Chief Justice John Roberts until later in the
confirmation process, but members said Alito’s extensive record
in 15 years on the appeals court was clear.

Conservative groups dismissed the black caucus and women’s
group opposition as knee-jerk and predictable.

Texas Republican John Cornyn said in a statement, “Like all
nominees, he deserves a fair hearing, an honest and dignified
debate and a vote. But how many Senate Democrats will stand up
to the hard left, reject the rhetoric and keep an open mind?”