[JURIST] Public statements of support by several US senators Tuesday assured the confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito [JURIST news archive] to the US Supreme Court. Commitments by five Republicans appear to have pushed him beyond the requisite 50 votes in the 100-member chamber; one Democrat, Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) [official website] has also said he will support Alito's candidacy [JURIST report]. The full Senate [official website] convenes Wednesday morning to consider the nomination following Tuesday's 10-8 party-line vote [JURIST report] in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Alito, however, is not expected to enjoy the same broad support as former nominee and now Chief Justice John Roberts [JURIST news archive], who received only 22 "no" votes in the wake of his September 2005 confirmation hearings [JURIST report]. AP has more.