Alito passes out of Senate Judiciary Committee

Straight party vote propels Alito's nomination to the vote by the whole Senate (10-8 vote for Alito vs. 13-5 vote for Roberts). According to the Washington Post, Alito confirmation to the Supreme Court is likely, as Republican opposition appears to be little, if any (Democrats will likely oppose confirmation, but Republicans have the votes to push the nomination through).

Alito was originally nominated by Bush on Oct. 31, 2005, to fill the seat of retiring Justice O'Connor (who won't officially retire until the seat is filled).

Alito's profile, as seen on Washington Post.com: Alito has been a judge on the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit since 1990.