Confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito began yesterday, electrifying the air in both Washington, D.C., and State College with talk of President Bush's latest nomination.

Alito garnered Bush's nomination in October to fill the spot left by retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Conner.

Democrats in Washington promised to challenge the 55-year-old federal judge on a number of issues including abortion and executive power.

Bob Shepherd, chairman of the Centre County Democratic Committee, said that he felt confident saying that every registered Democrat is opposed to confirming Alito.

"Just listening to NPR (National Public Radio) a moment ago, it is obvious that he is extremely conservative," Shepherd said.

Appointing Alito threatened the individual rights of every American, he added.

"[Alito] is a very bright and qualified individual," he said. "But it is also obvious that he is very conservative."

Chairman of the Centre County Republican Committee G.T. Thompson said that he was already disappointed in the amount of time it has taken to reach this point in Alito's appointment.

"I'm pleased to see the hearings have begun and I look forward to a successful confirmation," he said.

Thompson said that he believes Alito is qualified and will do well on the Supreme Court.

"Democrats like to use the word 'extreme' overly excessive," he said.

Thompson said he disagrees with the "extreme conservative" title Alito has been given.

"I think it is more of a disservice not to have a full court," Thompson said.

Sean Wilson, a Penn State political science lecturer, said that Alito's confirmation relies on how conservative the Democrats can portray him.

"The key lies in whether or not the Democrats can convince the moderates that Alito is too conservative," he said.

Wilson said convincing the moderates in Congress of Alito's conservative policies would bring about a filibuster and delay the vote.

In 2005, the Democrats used filibuster threats to block 10 of Bush's first-term judicial nominees before a group of senators reached a compromise.

However, Wilson said that a filibuster option could be denied.

"The Senate could change the rules and prevent a filibuster," he said. "This is called the nuclear option and only requires a majority vote in the Senate."

Alito's hearings come after the quick and smooth confirmation of Chief Justice John Roberts in September.

"I don't think there was any question that Roberts would be confirmed," Shepherd said. "He had star power."

Wilson also said that Roberts showed he was competent and appropriate for the position.

"Roberts was very broad in his intellectualism," Wilson said. "He appealed to everyone."