Republican-led Senate defeats bid to stop Alito

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Republican-led Senate on Monday
defeated a Democratic bid to block Supreme Court nominee Samuel
Alito — clearing the way for confirmation of the 55-year-old
conservative who could move the high court to the right.

The needed 60 votes were mustered in the 100-member Senate
to approve a motion to end debate on President Bush’s nominee.
A confirmation vote is set for Tuesday. Alito has a commitment
from a required simple majority to be approved.

A conservative federal appeals judge since 1990, Alito
would replace the more moderate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
O’Connor, who is retiring, often has been the swing vote on the
nine-member court on abortion, civil rights and other social
issues.