[NOW Action List] Alito Must Not Be Confirmed - Demand a Filibuster Today

Support NOW's Work  |	January 17, 2006	|  Tell a Friend

All NOW Actions Save the Courts		Alito Must Not Be Confirmed - Demand a Filibuster Today Call Your Senators By the time the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on Samuel Alito ended last week, Judge Alito had dodged so many questions that we knew little more about his judicial philosophy than we had before they started. Even so, Judge Alito's unwillingness to stipulate that Roe v. Wade is "settled law", as recently confirmed Chief Justice Roberts had, puts a woman's right to choose in great peril. This factor alone should be enough for Senators to vote against his nomination. Due to the current balance of power in the Senate (55 Republicans, 44 Democrats), we do not have the necessary 51 "no" votes to defeat Alito outright. So the only way for senators to block confirmation is for them to launch a filibuster ? which can only be ended if 60 of the 100 senators vote to stop the filibuster and proceed to a vote on the nomination. In other words, IF there is a filibuster, 41 senators can block the nomination. But without a filibuster, those same 41 votes would not be sufficient to stop Alito ? so the "no" votes are meaningless in terms of the final outcome, unless there is a filibuster. Make the message to your senators clear: Our nation needs them to do more than vote no. They must support a filibuster in order to prevent Alito's confirmation to the Supreme Court. Please call your Senators today and ask them to support a filibuster in opposition to this nomination. A no vote without a filibuster is a meaningless gesture. Our Senators' commitment to women's rights is a hollow shell if they will not fight to preserve them. Talking Points for Calls It is very clear that Judge Alito does not consider Roe v. Wade "settled law". This factor alone should be enough for Senators to vote against his nomination. We need them to do more than vote no. Ask them to support a filibuster in opposition to this nomination. A "no" vote without a filibuster is a meaningless gesture. Our Senators' commitment to women's rights is a hollow shell if they will not fight to preserve them. More information on Alito's record is available online. If you're having trouble getting through at the local number, try the Senate Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 Call your Senators
SUPPORT NOW: Support NOW's Work for Equal Rights | Join NOW | Shop Online | Member Benefits LEARN MORE: NOW.org | TheTruthAboutGeorge.com | NOW News Releases TAKE ACTION: Get Involved | Legislative Action Center | Find Your Nearest Chapter | Tell a Friend LISTS: Unsubscribe | Subscribe | All Lists