Who’s Out of the Mainstream?

Ever since Judge Samuel Alito was nominated to the Supreme Court, the Committee for Justice has been hammering away on the theme that it is the ultra-liberal anti-Alito coalition – led by People for the American Way – rather than Judge Alito, that is out of the mainstream. We have emphasized their agenda, their dilemma, and their motivation for attacking Alito:

“They want to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance and are fighting to redefine traditional marriage.” – CFJ’s Nov. ’05 TV ad

“These groups realize that, because their views are out of the mainstream, their agendas cannot be implemented through democratic means such as legislation and ballot initiatives.” – CFJ’s Dec. ’05 report

“Judge Alito believes judges should faithfully interpret the law, not advance political agendas. That's why the liberals are desperately trying to stop Judge Alito's confirmation to the Supreme Court.” – CFJ’s Dec. ’05 radio ad

It’s gratifying to notice that these themes have taken hold and become a major part of the debate over Judge Alito. The latest examples are found in statements by senators at today’s session of the Judiciary Committee:

“Judge Alito is closer to the mainstream of America than [People for the]
American Way.” – Sen. Graham (R – SC)

“They favor things like an end to traditional marriage between one man and one woman, continuation of the barbaric practice of partial- birth abortion, and abolition of the Pledge of Allegiance. Judge Alito's detractors oppose this nomination because he will not go along with this agenda.” – Sen. Cornyn (R – TX)

“. . . the system of judicial activism that some political interests favor so that they can achieve their agenda through the courts rather than through the elected representatives. . . . The reason why so many senators and the political interests to which they cater will not support Judge Alito is that they cannot support the kind of limited judiciary that he represents.” – Sen. Hatch (R – UT)