Capital "L" loyal; small "o" opposition

Senate Democrat backs Alito

Ben Nelson of Nebraska on Tuesday became the first Senate Democrat to announce his support of conservative Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, who is expected to be confirmed later this month by the full Republican-led Senate.

"I have decided to vote in favor of Judge Samuel Alito," Nelson, a moderate, said in a statement issued by his office.

"I came to this decision after careful consideration of his impeccable judicial credentials, the American Bar Association's strong recommendation and his pledge that he would not bring a political agenda to the court," Nelson said.

I hereby submit the following recommendation: as part of the reform movement now sweeping Washington, the name of the Democratic Party should be changed to more accurately reflect reality: I suggest the "Gullible Party." In the alternative, the "Palace Eunuchs" would also be acceptable.