Nelson to Meet with Supreme Court Nominee

Press Release

NELSON TO MEET WITH SUPREME COURT NOMINEE

Nebraska's Senator Will Meet With Judge Samuel Alito

Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson will meet Wednesday morning with Judge Samuel Alito, the President's nominee to replace Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the U.S. Supreme Court.

"I am looking forward to the confirmation process and looking forward to learning more about Judge Samuel Alito. Judge Alito needs to have a fair and thorough hearing I think it should be rigorous but fair, and we should withhold judgment until that process unfolds."

In the past, Nelson has made it a point to meet with some of the high profile judicial nominations before deciding his vote on the nominees. As a former Governor who appointed the entire Nebraska Supreme Court, the Appeals Court, and about half of the state judges in Nebraska, Nelson believes personal interviews are the best way to get to know a nominee. Nelson has met with Miguel Estrada, Janice Rodgers Brown, Priscilla Owen, and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts during their nominations.

Nelson is a leader among fourteen moderate minded Senators who broke the logjam on judicial nominations in the Senate.

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