Coleman says he will vote for Alito

01/13/2006

WASHINGTON — Sen. Norm Coleman said Friday he will vote to confirm Samuel Alito for a seat on the Supreme Court, saying the nominee demonstrated the intellect, character and integrity needed to serve during hearings this week.

“Judge Alito understands the role of a judge is not to make law, but to apply law,” Coleman, R-Minn., said in a statement. “In his 15 years on the court of appeals he has shown the ability to be fair and impartial, to put aside personal ideology, and to make decisions based solely on the Constitution, the law and the record.”

Coleman’s decision was expected. Minnesota’s other senator, Democrat Mark Dayton, has not said how he will vote.