As Samuel Alito's confirmation to the Supreme Court moved one step further yesterday with a 10-8 vote from the Senate Judiciary Committee, many students said they were bothered by the reality of Alito's moving to the high court -- while others are pleased to hear about his confirmation.

"I do not agree with any of his ideas," Ingrid Covasa (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies) said. "I definitely think many people will be disappointed in this decision, but there is not much we can do about it -- especially as students."

However, some students said they believe that the confirmation of Alito will only benefit the public.

"He is open to changing his mind, and that is important for a judge," Matt Way (freshman-marketing) said. "It will be a positive impact on the public."

All 10 Judiciary Committee members of the Republican Party voted in favor of Alito's confirmation, while each member of the Democratic Party voted against him.

Amanda Keene (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies) said she supports Alito because she shares many of his views.

"I think he will be a good addition to the Supreme Court. He is very well educated, experienced and extremely qualified to do a great job," Keene said.

Ashley Bragner (sophomore-integrative arts) said she believes justices should be more impartial to accurately represent the public.

"You can tell his opinions will affect his rulings," Bragner said. "It should be more balanced and equal -- you cannot pick someone who is so Democrat or so Republican. There should be a balance."

Others said they are concerned with Alito's possible opposition to the Roe v. Wade decision in which the court legalized abortion.

"I think it's a call to action from young feminists to preserve the rights that women in the past have fought for. The majority of people agree that women should have rights on reproductive life. He does not represent what most people believe in," Natalie Jolly (graduate-rural sociology) said.

Although some students are disappointed by the votes, others said they believe it will not directly affect them.

"It would probably not be my vote, but my life will definitely not change when he is in the Supreme Court," Matt Young (senior-English) said.

Penn State faculty and local residents are trying to educate the student body and to help them make sense of the decision by holding panel discussions in February, Jolly said.

Harry Reid, Democratic leader in the U.S. Senate, is also opposed to Alito's accession to the court.

"He does not believe that he will serve in order to preserve the checks and balances system that the constitution allows," Jon Steinberg, spokesman for Reid, said.

Local politicians also responded with mixed emotions to yesterday's vote.

"There is nothing we can do. We do not have enough folks in the Senate. We are powerless, and it feels terrible," Bob Shepherd, Centre County Democratic Committee chairman, said.

G.T Thompson, Centre County Republican Committee chairman, said he believes the situation is just simple politics.

"It's not a matter of counting the Republicans or the Democrats, it is more ideology. Many times it comes down to the individual stance on political issues," Thompson said.

Mike Russell, vice chairman of the Centre County Republican Committee, said he fully supports Alito.

"Judge Alito supports the Constitution. He expresses that his interpretation of the Constitution is closer than even some of the founding fathers," Russell said. "He will interpret the Constitution not from legislation, but from the bench."

Although some may disagree with Alito's opinions, they are not as upset with his likely confirmation.

"I may disagree with some of his views, but we won't get someone else to replace Sandra Day O'Connor. We won't find a perfect fit," Kess Ballentine (sophomore-health policy administration) said. "We cannot predict what will come out of this just based on some of his hot topics."