Alito Distances Himself From 1985 Memos
Senator Says Nominee Drew a Line Between Expressed Views and Potential Rulings

These first paragraphs from a Washington Post story illustrate the incredible dishonesty with which Alito and his supporters are treating the debate over his nomination to the Supreme Court. The "base" is being told in no uncertain terms that Alito is a vote against abortion rights, while Alito and his supporters are saying just the opposite to potential opponents. Could it not be more clear that women's reproductive choice is under direct threat?


By Charles Babington
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, December 3, 2005; Page A01

Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito Jr. yesterday tried to tamp down criticisms of several past statements -- including his assertion that the Constitution does not protect the right to abortion -- by saying they were personal views or an advocate's work and not necessarily indications of how he might rule if confirmed, according to a key senator who quizzed him for more than an hour.

Alito's effort to distance himself from the recently disclosed 1985 documents came as liberal groups said the writings show him to be much more conservative than the newly confirmed chief justice, John G. Roberts Jr. Alito's explanation was meant to lessen the documents' impact, but it may expose him to accusations of insincerity or irresolution, advocates said.