Alito Nomination: Gang of 14 to Meet

The 14 senators whose compromise earlier this year defused a potential floor fight over the filibustering of federal judges is set to meet Thursday to discuss the nomination of Samuel A. Alito Jr. to the Supreme Court.

The meeting will take place Thursday morning in the office of Arizona Sen. John McCain (R) -- one of the bipartisan gang's most visible members.  The group met once on Oct. 5 to discuss the Harriet Miers nomination.

It remains unclear how serious a role the group will play in the Alito nomination.  Both Democrats and Republicans seem to be girding for a fight, though no one has invoked the specter of a filibuster to block the nomination.  If that prospect is raised, expect the Gang to be in the middle of an effort to short circuit it.