Judge Samuel Alito’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings this week in the U.S. Senate have been marked by tough questioning, tense moments and political spinning of unprecedented proportions. 

Nonetheless, Judge Alito’s remarkable history of integrity and accomplishment gave Concerned Women for America (CWA) good reason to stand up and support him by holding Project 535, its volunteer lobbying program, on Wednesday, January 11.

In addition, CWA worked with a coalition of  pro-family groups in Washington, D.C., and launched a nationwide effort to support this admirable judge.

Each month, Project 535’s trained lobbyists from around the country come to the nation’s capital to work with CWA’s Legislation Department to help push key bills through Congress.  Instead of focusing on a piece of legislation, January’s 535 worked for  Judge Alito’s confirmation to the Supreme Court.

As Judge Alito and his family entered the Dirksen Senate Office Building each morning, supporters waited outside to encourage and cheer them on.  In a memorable action, Alito made it a point to shake hands with some of the Project 535 volunteers on Wednesday.

Volunteers remained outside of the Supreme Court and prayed in front of a C-SPAN camera, which ran throughout the day.  They held signs—such as “Sam’s Club” and “Confirm Alito” ¯ to counter opposing protestors.

Project 535 volunteers were also active inside the Senate, where they distributed packets containing key information about why CWA supports Alito. The ladies also gathered vital information from Senate staffers about what they were hearing from constituents in the states and how various senators were planning to vote.  

“The information that these ladies were able to disperse and gather within the Senate was remarkably valuable to our efforts,” said Lanier Swann, CWA’s Director of Government Relations.  “Their work helped to determine our coalition’s direction for the rest of the week.  Several key leaders in Washington were literally waiting for word back from our lobbyists, and we heard such positive feedback and appreciation for all of their work.

“We are optimistic that this work has paid off, and that this great judge will be confirmed,” concluded Swann.

Take Action:  CWA continues to work to ensure that Judge Alito receives a fair floor debate and vote.  Call your senator today to ask for a speedy up-or-down vote for Judge Alito.  The efforts of the grassroots do make a difference on Capitol Hill! Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121.