WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Democrats opposing U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito may not succeed in stopping the nomination but could reap electoral gains from their stand.
They reportedly believe a party-line vote on Alito in this week's confirmation debate could result in the Democratic takeover of the Senate in next fall's elections, reports the Christian Science Monitor.
Democrats are eager to mount an aggressive rhetorical case heading into this week's final vote and coming midterm elections, the report said.
"This is a nomination that threatens the rights and liberties of Americans now and for generations to come," said Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which sent the nomination to the full Senate on a 10-8 party-line vote.
So far, the only Democrat to publicly back Alito is Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska. Six Democrats who voted for Supreme Court Justice John Roberts have announced their opposition to Alito, the report said.
