** FILE ** People for the American Way President Ralph Neas, center, accompanied by Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Executive Director Wade Henderon, left, Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron, right, and other liberal group leaders, announce their campaign against the nomination of John Ashcroft as Attorney General in this Jan. 9, 2001, file photo in Washington. In the early stages of the most momentous Supreme Court struggle in nearly 15 years, the organizations headed by Neas, Henderson and Aron are seeking Democratic cohesiveness, then hope to enlist enough Republicans to doom Judge Samuel Alito's nomination for the swing seat now held by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. (AP Photo/Ron Thomas/File)