SWING VOTE SAM: Sen. Dick Durbin, passionate defender of constitutional protections (for imprisoned terrorists), is worried whether Alito might bring his personal views to bear on the sacramental issue of (what else?) abortion:

"Many people will leave this hearing with a question as to whether or not you could be the deciding vote that would eliminate the legality of abortion."

The clear implication is that Durbin would have no problem if Alito were of a mind to favor abortion rights and use his influence as a justice to keep the current 5-4 majority intact. But of course.