Washington ? Senate Democrats on Sunday promised a drawn-out confirmation and perhaps a filibuster for Samuel Alito if the Supreme Court nominee evades or refuses to answer their questions on abortion, presidential war powers and other issues at this week’s confirmation hearings.

Democrats say they will not decide whether to filibuster or try to delay a committee vote until after the committee’s weeklong hearings that begin today.

Alito will face at least two days of questioning from senators; the nominee and the lawmakers planned to give their opening statements at 11 a.m. CST today, hours after Alito’s scheduled breakfast meeting at the White House with the president.

Questioning begins Tuesday and is expected to go through at least Thursday.