I would say so.
Democrats want judges who will legislate from the bench regardless of constitutional rights - if a judge follows the law and the Constitution they are ultra conservative, not good people but racist, homophobes who mean you harm.
Judge Alito is a principled jurist not a political appointee whore; he does not make law, he obeys law and the United States Constitution – and that is the rub; Democrats deplore the US Constitution in their head long rush to Socialism. Truly, useful Idiots!
I think what you're basically saying is, conservatism is akin to constitutionalism, aka. strict constructionism. I agree. And liberalism by nature, is about judicial activism. I agree again.