US judge Samuel Alito goes before the Senate Judiciary Committee today for what promises to be a bruising hearing on his nomination to the Supreme Court by President Bush.
Mr Bush's first choice for the post, Harriet Miers, withdrew following widespread opposition, particularly from Christian conservatives, and she lacked the experience normally required for the post.
Mr Alito's credentials are more conventional and in line with the wishes of Mr Bush's Christian supporters. Barring an unforeseen bombshell, the conservative (55)
is expected to be confirmed by the Republican-led Senate later this month, moving the nation's highest court to the right on social issues.
"This hearing will give Judge Alito a full opportunity to address the issues of concern," committee Chairman Arlen Specter, said in a statement prepared for delivery at the scheduled start of the hearing at 5 pm Irish time.
A member of the Philadelphia-based 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals since 1990, Mr Alito earlier served as a prosecutor and an attorney in the Reagan administration.
During the coming days, Mr Alito will face a series of tough questions, including his views on presidential war powers and his personal opposition to abortion.
"The challenge for Judge Alito . . . is to demonstrate that he will protect the rights and liberties of all Americans and serve as an effective check on government overreaching," Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the panel's top Democrat, said.
If confirmed, Mr Alito would replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, a moderate conservative who often has been the swing vote on the nine-member court on abortion and other social issues.
Backers portray Mr Alito as a "mainstream conservative" and a "fair-minded judge" who respects Supreme Court precedent, which includes a 1973 decision that legalised abortion.
Yet opponents say his record shows him to be a threat to such basic liberties as civil rights and abortion rights and environmental protection.