Sam Alito and The Concerned Alumni of Princeton

One big controversy surrounding Judge Alito during his confirmation hearings is his past membership in an organization known as the Concerned Alumni of Princeton (Drudge had sensationally previewed this battle last weekend). This was an alumni organization which largely fought against the growing numbers, and acceptance, of minorities (blacks, hispanics, women, gays, etc.) in Princeton. Alito had been member of the organization and, in fact, had boasted of his membership in a 1985 application for a job in the Reagan administration. Obviously, this is an important issue because it speaks to the heart of Alito's character and his dedication (or lack thereof) to issues of equality. The Senators questioning Alito on it just want to clarify these matters.

In his hearings this week, Mr. Alito is playing the "I can't remember" card in regards to the organization. He says he was unaware of the extremely conservative, and racist/sexist, nature of the group and doesn't remember being actively involved in it. Under questioning from Sen. Leahy, Alito claimed his reason for joining was connected to Princeton's decision to remove the ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) from the school. Alito, as an ROTC member and supporter of the military, said he was very concerned about that. But he does not recall any other aspects of the Princeton alumni group.

To say his story doesn't fully add up is stating the obvious.

Attytood digs into Alito's membership in Concerned Alumni of Princeton, his real reason for joining ROTC, and the ways in which his story simply doesn't add up. Read it all here:
He can't handle the truth: The real story of Sam Alito, ROTC, and Concerned Alumni of Princeton

Also, during today's hearings, Sen. Kennedy issued a subpoena request for documents containing 'clipping files, background information, correspondence and memoranda, financial records, fund-raising material, lists of supporters, minutes of meetings, issues and other items' relating to the group which could fill in the blanks in Alito's story. Committee Chairman Arlen Specter got into a heated argument with Kennedy about that, claiming he never received an earlier request from Kennedy about this. ThinkProgress has detailed info on this and a video clip of the exchange: BREAKING: Specter Stonewalls on Concerned Alumni of Princeton Docs

(Update: ThinkProgress has a report on Specter's post-lunch agreement to get the records)

Jeralyn Merritt at Huffington Post also looks at the situation: Alito Plays Dodge Ball

[PS- Most Americans aren't sold on Alito:
Poll: Americans 'Undecided' On Alito]