Samuel Alito Watch: People For American Way’s Response

The People for the American Way have responded to President Bush’s nomination today of Judge Samuel Alito to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to the United States Supreme Court, Bush Puts Demands of Far-Right Above Interests of Americans with High Court Nomination of Right-Wing Activist Alito.

PFAW will wage massive national effort to defeat nominee who would dramatically shift balance of Court

President Bush put the demands of his far-right political base above Americans’ constitutional rights and legal protections by nominating federal appeals court Judge Samuel Alito to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, said People For the American Way President Ralph G. Neas. “Right-wing leaders vetoed Miers because she failed their ideological litmus test. With Judge Alito, President Bush has obediently picked a nominee who passes that test with flying colors.”

“We had hoped President Bush would nominate someone with a commitment to protecting Americans’ rights and freedoms,” said Neas. “That’s what the American people want, and it’s what they deserve. Unfortunately, with Judge Alito, that’s not what President Bush has given us. He has chosen to divide Americans with a nominee guaranteed to cause a bitter fight.”

Neas said that People For the American Way will mobilize its 750,000 members and activists to wage a massive national effort to defeat Alito’s nomination and will work closely with its coalition partners to educate Americans about the threats posed by this nomination.

Bring it On!