It is now Justice Samuel Alito, on a vote of 52-48.

I like John Hawkins take on this.

UPDATE: And Sworn In.

Samuel Anthony Alito Jr. was sworn in as the nation’s 110th Supreme Court justice on Tuesday after being confirmed by the Senate in one of the most partisan victories in modern history.

Alito was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts in a private ceremony at the Supreme Court building across from the Capitol at about 12:40 p.m. EST, court officials said.

Alito and his wife, Martha-Ann Bomgardner, along with other members of the court and their spouses, attended the ceremony in the justices’ conference room. The 55-year-old New Jersey jurist took both the constitutional and judicial oaths so he can immediately participate in court decisions.

Alito will be ceremonially sworn in a second time at a White House East Room appearance on Wednesday.

It will be interesting to watch the reaction when he attends tonight’s SOTU.