U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar of Colorado today announced he is opposed to Supreme Court nominee Judge Samuel Alito, saying he “will move the Supreme Court outside the mainstream of American law.”
Salazar, a Democrat, earlier voted in favor of Chief Justice John Roberts, President Bush’s previous choice for the high court.
The freshman senator gained attention when he joined the so-called Gang of 14, the bipartisan agreement by 14 senators to preserve the right to block certain judicial appointees by Bush through the debating tactic known as the filibuster in exchange for up-or-down votes on other court picks.
But that coalition has seemed to come apart in recent weeks, as there do not appear to be enough votes in the Senate to sustain a filibuster over Alito.
The nominee, an appellate court judge, is widely backed by majority Republicans and seems likely to be approved by the Senate.
The Senate Judiciary Committee, which held hearings on the Alito nomination recently, is expected to vote to forward the choice to the full Senate next week.
Salazar issued a statement today saying he would “vote against the confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito to the United States Supreme Court” if the nomination reaches the Senate.
“I am convinced, based upon a very careful review of his record, that Judge Alito will move the Supreme Court outside the mainstream of American law,” Salazar said.
“Judge Alito’s judicial philosophy will expand executive power too far, hurt the checks and balances built into our Constitution to protect us all, and roll back important civil rights protections that were achieved in our country through the sacrifices of many.”
Colorado’s other senator, Republican Wayne Allard, earlier announced his support for Alito.
