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Judge Samuel Alito was asked repeatedly about statements he made as a
lawyer in the Reagan administration in support of executive branch power.
Some Democrats expressed concerns that Alito backed expanded powers for
the Alito responded that the president does not have a "blank check" in
terms of power, even in wartime. "Our Constitution applies in times of
peace and in times of war, and it protects the rights of Americans under
all circumstances," he said.
Alito was asked about President Bush's decision to order, without
warrants, eavesdropping on phone calls of
Americans suspected of having ties to terrorists. Some lawmakers have
questioned the legality of the decision, but Alito declined to comment
directly on the matter.
On the issue of abortion, Alito was asked about memos he wrote during
his time in the Reagan administration in support of eroding abortion
rights.
He responded that he was reflecting the views of the administration at
the time, and vowed to approach abortion cases with an open mind.
Some Democrats were not convinced, and expressed concern that Alito, if
confirmed, would try to overturn the 1973 Supreme Court case known as Roe
versus Wade that legalized abortion.
Senator Charles Schumer is a New York Democrat. "We can only conclude
that if the question came before you, it is very likely you would vote to
overrule Roe v. Wade," he said.
As he began his questioning of Alito, Senator John Cornyn, a Texas
Republican, accused some Democrats of searching for any way to defeat his
nomination. "I do think there are those who have already decided to vote
against your nomination and are looking for some reason to do so," he
said.
For his part, Alito maintained a calm demeanor throughout the long day. In response to one
Senator's question, he offered an assessment of the confirmation process
so far: "At times it has been a thrill, and at times it has been
disorienting," he said.
If confirmed, Alito would succeed retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
She is considered a centrist and often cast the deciding vote in 5-4
rulings in controversial cases. Some Democrats argue Alito would shift the
ideological balance of the court to the right. | 
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