Tuesday's confirmation of Judge Samuel A. Alito as the United State's 110th Supreme Court justice signified a political triumph for the Bush administration.

Although many Republicans rejoice, some Democrats remain apprehensive.

Right now, nobody can question Alito's one-sided partisan leanings. Alito has yet to try a case.

It's too early to see how he'll vote on issues surrounding the courts now.

Although there has been a lot of speculation on how he will vote — on the conservative side — it's hard to say without Alito actually doing something. Everyone first needs to judge Alito on job performance, not preconceived notions.

Replacing former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the high courts, Alito has big shoes to fill.

Viewed as a moderate swing vote, O'Connor provided the needed majority vote in several 5-4 rulings.

On most cases, her vote set many of the precedents we are concerned about keeping, such as legal abortion.

If only O'Connor could just have hung on for another two years until the government had a chance to get away from a notably conservative administration.

Alito's reputation as a staunch conservative sparked partisan battles throughout his confirmation hearings in January. There have been complaints that Alito doesn't represent the true America with his values.

Alito has also been tagged as a big government and business proponent. He also does not believe that a woman has a right to an abortion.

What will ultimately measure Alito's overall effectiveness is his ability to step outside his conservative judicial philosophies and make the best overall decision for the American people.

Alito cannot factor in his previous beliefs when ruling on cases that he won't be familiar with.

Critics can only gauge Alito as he settles into his new position. Although agenda-setting politicians see Alito as one not seeking to adopt his own plan, time will tell if he strays away from his conservative roots.

There's always a chance.

The former U.S. attorney cannot be judged until he acts, and based on Alito's track record, there will be many changes in the coming years.

At 55, Alito is young for a Supreme Court Justice and could be on the stand for the next 30-35 years, until he retires or dies. Alito is in an extremely important position as a Supreme Court justice and will change American's lives in the long run no matter how he rules and how people perceive him.

And quite frankly, that's rather scary.