Brownback on Alito: "Impressive"

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS), who had emerged as one of the staunchest critics of Harriet Miers, is taking a more positive approach to Samuel Alito today, noting the judge's "impressive legal credentials" and "broad legal experience."

"I commend the president and congratulate Judge Alito on this nomination, and I look forward to the upcoming confirmation hearing, during which members of the Judiciary Committee will have a robust and, I hope, civil dialogue with the nominee about the meaning of the Constitution and the role of the courts in American life," Brownback, a Judiciary Committee member, said in a statement.