But I Won't Stop Writing

So I wrote both Senators concerning the confirmation of Judge Alito. Here is what I received from each…

Sen. Martinez : Dear Mrs. Lunningham:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond to your concerns.
According to Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, the United States Senate must “advise and consent” to each of the president’s judicial nominations. In this role, we have a great constitutional responsibility to ensure a strong and qualified judiciary.
The position of Supreme Court justice is one of the highest and most respected in the land. The decisions of this Court resonate at the very foundations of the beliefs upon which our nation is built. In Judge Alito, I believe President Bush chose an individual with impeccable academic credentials, an extensive background as a lawyer and jurist, and seasoned experienced in handling arguments before the United States Supreme Court.
Judge Alito has been well received by my predecessors in the Senate on each of his previous confirmations. He was unanimously confirmed in both of his prior appearances before the United States Senate, both as a nominee for United States Attorney for New Jersey and to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
During his 15 years as a United States Circuit Judge, Judge Alito demonstrated the intelligence and judicial temperament required of this important office. It is now our obligation in the United States Senate to ensure that Judge Alito receives a thoughtful and deliberative evaluation. I look forward to hearing more from Judge Alito during the hearings and the confirmation process.
Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. If you have any additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. In addition, for more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

Mel Martinez
United States Senator

Sen. Nelson : ear Mrs. Lunningham:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the nomination of Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr. to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. It is important that we confirm a justice who will be a voice of reason and a staunch defender of our constitutional rights.
As part of the deliberative process, I will conduct a thorough review and inquiry into Judge Alito’s integrity, qualifications, and past record. I also will pay close attention to the proceedings of the Senate Judiciary Committee. When that process is complete, I will make my decision on whether to vote for his confirmation.
I appreciate hearing your concerns and will keep them in mind. Please don’t hesitate to contact me in the future.
P.S. From time to time, I compile electronic news briefs highlighting key issues and hot topics of particular importance to Floridians. If you'd like to receive these e-briefs, visit my Web site and sign up for them at http://billnelson.senate.gov/newpages/newsletter.cfm .

Oh well, who the hell needs civil liberties anyway?