(1/12/06) HAMILTON ? Three students from Hamilton Township took a trip this week to see the Senate confirmation hearings of New Jersey native Samuel Alito.

Students say they were fascinated by the Supreme Court nomination proceedings in Washington D.C. Despite facing tough questions on abortion and presidential powers, students believe Steinhert High School graduate Alito handled himself gracefully. Those in attendance also say televised proceedings of the hearings don?t accurately convey the sense of tension in the room.

If Alito is confirmed, some students may return to Washington for the swearing-in ceremony.