Alito promises to
"administer justice without regard"

U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, 55, told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday that he would do "equal right to the poor and the rich" and "administer justice without regard" to a person's standing in life, the Chicago Tribune reported. Alito, who has somewhat of a mixed record on gay equality, opened his confirmation hearing with a deeply personal statement, talking about his immigrant parents and his career, which includes 15 years on the federal appeals court. "No person in this country, no matter how high or powerful, is above the law, and no person in this country is beneath the law," Alito said. If chosen, he will replace retiring justice Sandra Day O'Connor. He added: "A judge can't have any agenda. A judge can't have any preferred outcome in any particular case. The judge's only obligation--and it's a solemn obligation--is to the rule of law." The Tribune reported that Republicans presented Alito as a methodical judge who is careful in his rulings. Democrats, however, said Alito is a conservative ideologue who would scale back women's rights and civil rights. "This vacancy is going to tip the scales of justice on the Supreme Court one way or another," said Illinois senator Dick Durbin. "The Supreme Court is the last refuge in America for our rights and liberties." Several of the country's most powerful gay rights groups have stated that they oppose Alito's nomination. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; Human Rights Campaign; National Center for Lesbian Rights; Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays; and Lambda Legal said they are not convinced that Alito will enforce the principles of equal protection and due process. On Tuesday the Senate Judiciary Committee begins formal questioning of Alito, according to the newspaper. The committee's 10 Republicans are expected to vote to confirm Alito, while the eight Democrats are expected to vote against confirmation. (Advocate.com)