Lincoln Chafee: “President Bush has nominated Judge Samuel Alito to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court. Justice…”

“President Bush has nominated Judge Samuel Alito to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court. Justice O'Connor has had a remarkable career of public service. Her strong and moderate voice on the Supreme Court will be missed. I was lucky to get to socialize with her and her husband through mutual acquaintances and recommend her book about growing up on a ranch in arid Arizona--The Lazy B. She is an exceptional person. As is the custom, Judge Alito sought a meeting with any Senator so interested. For our meeting, I suggested the Capitol steps and he agreed since it was a warm sunny day. I thought it was appropriate to be visually connected to two of the three branches of government as we talked about constitutional issues. If confirmed, the decisions he will make on the Supreme Court will affect the lives of Americans profoundly. Judge Alito has outstanding legal credentials and an inspiring life story. However, I am greatly concerned about his philosophy on some important constitutional issues. In particular, I carefully examined his record on executive power, women's reproductive freedoms and the commerce clause of article 1, section VIII of the Constitution. On executive power, it is likely that cases dealing with the fourth amendment will be heard by the Supreme Court.…”