Bush nominates Alito to Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- President George Bush nominated federal Appellate Judge Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court, saying he "applies the law in the principled fashion."

Alito, 55, was nominated Monday to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who has announced her intention to retire. The nomination comes less than a week after the withdrawal of the nomination of White House Counsel Harriet Miers.

Alito studied at Princeton and Yale, and has sat on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Philadelphia, since 1990 when he was appointed to the bench by Bush's father.

"Federal judges have the duty to interpret the Constitution and laws faithfully and fairly, protect the constitutional rights of all Americans and to do these things with care and with restraint always keeping in mind the limited role that the courts play in our constitutional system," Alito said Monday.

Bush said, Alito's "record reveals a thoughtful judge who considers the legal merits carefully and applies the law in the principled fashion. He has a deep understanding of the proper job of judges in our society. He understands that judges are to interpret the law, not to impose their preferences or priorities on the people."

Alito has a lengthy career as a judge and lawyer in public service. But, while Bush asked that Alito be confirmed before the end of the year, the nominee's experience doesn't mean the process will be smooth.

The Washington Post reported Alito voted to uphold a Pennsylvania law that required a woman to notify her husband before an abortion, a law rejected by the Supreme Court, and also wrote a decision upholding a city holiday display that included a creche and menorah as well as secular symbols.