WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate today voted to confirm Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr. to the Supreme Court of the United States with a 58-42 vote.   Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), whose district includes Hamilton, New Jersey – where Alito was born and raised, issued the following statement:

“I am pleased that another of New Jersey’s own will join the highest court in the land,” said Smith.  “I believe that Justice Alito’s strong judicial record reveals that he is committed to applying the law as written and that he will make a strong addition to the Supreme Court of the United States.”

“It is disappointing that despite Justice Alito’s extraordinary moral character and unmatched resume for the court, neither of New Jersey’s Senators could overlook partisan politics and support one of their own citizens,” Smith continued.  “The dignified manner in which Justice Alito handled himself throughout this process stood in stark contrast to some of the comments from his opponents and he should be commended.”