“Any resistance to the confirmation of Mary Jo White as head of the Securities and Exchange Commission is not likely to follow the usual script, with Republicans trying to land a devastating blow as Democrats work to protect the White House nominee.

“In fact, when White appears before a Senate committee for her confirmation hearing on Tuesday, some of the tougher questions are expected to come from Democrats concerned about her close ties to Wall Street. Given her distinguishedlegal career defending some of Wall Street’s biggest names, Democrats want assurances that these relationships won’t interfere with White’s resolve or ability to effectively police corporate America.

““Rather than rough her up, I expect the Republicans will try to push their agenda by getting her to publicly state positions that favor their pet issues,” said Dennis Keller, chief executive of Better Markets, a nonprofit group in Washington that promotes reform of the financial system. “The Democrats are the ones who will most likely raise the troubling issues and want them addressed.”

“However, absent some unexpected revelation, the vigorous questioning is unlikely to derail White, 65, whose credentials have something to offer ideologues in both parties.”

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