1. Who is Arlen Specter? Who is Pat Leahy?

2. What is a "good-faith" agreement?

3. Democrats are currently the minority party. Why then do they have the power to allow or prevent the Judiciary Committee to vote today on the nomination of Judge Alito?

4. Who is Joseph Cella? What does he imply about the Senate Democrats' reason for delaying the Judicial Committee vote on Judge Alito?

5. What were the terms of the good-faith agreement between Mr. Specter and Mr. Leahy? At the time the agreement was made, what exception did Mr. Leahy make to the agreement?

6. Why does Senator Leahy say that his good-faith agreement with Senator Specter was not binding?

7. Is Senator Leahy's action a breach of trust, or do Senate Democrats have legitimate reasons for delaying the vote? Explain your answer.