How we got stuck with staunch conservative Samuel Alito

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito (L) delivers remarks after being sworn, February 1, 2006. (REUTERS/Jim Youn)

During his 16 years on the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Samuel Alito has forged a reputation as a staunch conservative on a range of issues, opposing abortion and LGBT rights and supporting religious liberty and gun rights.

Alito, the 72-year-old author…