[etradervic]

Does anyone have any idea why he would be more confirmable than, say, Luttig?

Great question. I have heard this refrain repeatedly. Alito has a dissenting opinion supporting a PA Law that would require spousal notification for an abortion. Luttig has voted against partial-birth abortion. Luttig's vote must be considered more threatening. As we all know, for Libs its all about Roe.

[RKB-AFG]

I'm pretty sure that Alito's dissenting opinion in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, supported the PA law that require a husband be notified before a wife got an abortion. Alito's dissenting opinion was later cited by Chief Justice Rehnquist's dissenting opinion.

[johnmecainrino]

Luttig helped Clarence Thomas during his nomination. At the time of the nomination Luttig had been confirmed by the senate for the 4th circuit and stayed on to help thomas until he was seated on the bench. The dems have said they would fillabuster Luttig. He was on Reid's fillabuster list.