AUGUSTA — Groups working for and against President Bush's nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court are intensifying their efforts to swing U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins their way as Alito's confirmation hearings draw near. Snowe and Collins have met Alito, but neither Republican senator has taken a position on the nomination.
The Fair and Independent Courts Coalition, which is fighting the Alito nomination, launched a five-day, 14-community tour of Maine Monday to persuade 2,000 Mainers to contact Snowe and Collins and urge them to oppose the appointment.
Similar efforts are under way in 10 other pivotal states, including Connecticut and Rhode Island.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/051213alito.shtml