Kennedy: 'A vote of a generation and a test of conscience'
Kerry: 'It’s our right and our responsibility to oppose him vigorously'
By Brad Friedman on 1/26/2006, 3:54pm PT  

Pam at The Democratic Daily has links to Kennedy's official statement confirming he supports a filibuster:

KENNEDY SUPPORTS FILIBUSTER ON NOMINATION OF JUDGE ALITO

Other than voting to send our men and women to war, there is no more important vote in the Senate than our vote on a Supreme Court nominee. This is a vote of a generation and a test of conscience. Judge Alito does not share the values of equality and justice that make this country strong. He does not deserve a place on the highest court of the land.

We owe it to future generations of Americans to oppose this nomination. If Judge Alito is confirmed, he will serve on the court long after President Bush leaves office, and the progress of half a century on the basic rights of all Americans is likely to be rolled back. He's the wrong justice for justice and the rule of law in America.

Previously, CNN reported John Kerry's support of same. Kerry had earlier posted a call for support asking that Americans support his effort to filibuster...

To muster enough Senators to defeat Judge Alito, the American people have to make it clear that they are against his nomination. That's where you come in. By speaking out, you will help us convince other Senators to join our fight.

He then asks for folks to sign this letter in support.

AP has more on the GOP pushing back.

UPDATE: Kerry's office makes it official:

"I support a filibuster of Judge Alito's nomination. Judge Alito's confirmation would be an ideological coup on the Supreme Court. We can't afford to see the Court's swing vote, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, replaced with a far-right ideologue like Samuel Alito.
...
The President has every right to nominate Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. It's our right and our responsibility to oppose him vigorously and to fight against this radical upending of the Supreme Court."

FURTHER UPDATE: Pam now has a Guest Blog from Kerry on the matter...

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