Nebraska’s Ben Nelson announces his vote for SCOTUS nominee Sam Alito. Via Reuters:

Ben Nelson of Nebraska, a moderate voice in the U.S. Congress, on Tuesday became the first Senate Democrat to announce his support for conservative Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, who is expected to be confirmed later this month by the full Republican-led Senate.

“I have decided to vote in favor of Judge Samuel Alito,” Nelson said in a statement issued by his office.

“I came to this decision after careful consideration of his impeccable judicial credentials, the American Bar Association’s strong recommendation and his pledge that he would not bring a political agenda to the court,” Nelson said.

In an interview on Fox News Channel, Nelson said Alito made a commitment not to become a judicial activist.

“I have to take him at his word at the moment,” Nelson said. “But I think that he will take to the bench his decision-making based on facts and based on cases.”

The Senate Judiciary Committee, which held Alito’s confirmation hearing last week, is expected to send President George W. Bush’s nomination of Alito to the full Senate next week for anticipated confirmation.

Let’s see how many MSM outlets will lovingly call him a “maverick.” Or is that label only reserved for John McCain and George Voinovich?

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The Political Teen has video of Sen. Nelson’s interview on Hannity and Colmes.