Alito Appears Headed for Confirmation

AP: WASHINGTON—Samuel Alito coasted toward confirmation as the 110th Supreme Court justice Thursday, ending 18 grueling hours of Senate interrogation with Democrats showing little appetite for a last-ditch filibuster attempt on the Senate floor.

“I am my own person, with whatever abilities I have and whatever limitations I have,” Alito declared as he wrapped up his final public appearance before senators begin voting on his nomination to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. As the hearings end, Democrats seem unlikely to filibuster the nominee. | story

And so much for a swing vote: Analyses by both The New York Times and The Washington Post find the nominee most aligned with Scalia and Thomas.