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Democrats react to Sotomayor choice
Here's what they're saying.
[...]“In addition to having more overall judicial experience than anyone confirmed for the Court in the past 70 years, Sotomayor will bring an important perspective to the Court as both a woman and a Latina. Her life story, which has taken her from a public housing project in the Bronx to the finest schools in the county and a distinguished legal career, is beyond compelling. It will give the Court some needed understanding of how ordinary Americans live. Her outstanding legal mind, and her compelling life experience, is just the combination this Court needs in its next justice.
“Given her track record of excellence and moderation, and her life story, it’s going to be very hard for any senator, Republican or Democrat, to vote against her.”
“I spoke with President Obama this morning and told him that he had made a historic and fantastic decision,” said Senator Gillibrand. “In Judge Sotomayor, we have a superbly qualified jurist, who understands, respects, and connects with the people whose lives will be affected by the Court. Judge Sotomayor will bring invaluable experience and much needed diversity to our nation’s highest court. I look forward to a respectful and swift confirmation process in which Congress and the American people can learn more about Judge Sotomayor’s phenomenal qualifications.”
Paterson and Smith over the fold.
Paterson (via email):
“Throughout her impressive life and career, Judge Sonia Sotomayor has demonstrated the integrity, leadership and intellect that make her an outstanding nominee to our nation’s highest court. I congratulate President Obama for his selection of Judge Sotomayor, a native New Yorker whose legal mind will undoubtedly benefit our entire judicial system.
“Judge Sotomayor exemplifies what many of us regard as the American Dream. Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, she worked diligently and overcame obstacles to achieve great feats: graduating from Princeton University summa cum laude and then from Yale Law School, where she was an editor of the Yale Law Review. Judge Sotomayor began her legal career in public service as assistant district attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office and later entered into private practice as a commercial litigator.
“Her broad legal and judicial experiences earned Judge Sotomayor the recognition of two American Presidents. President George H. W. Bush in 1992 elevated her to the federal bench, becoming New York’s first Hispanic federal judge. President William J. Clinton in 1997 nominated her to the appellate bench, for which she received strong bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate. Her time on the federal bench is noted for her landmark rulings, both well-regarded and carefully deliberated.[...]
Smith (via email direct and from Phil Anderson):
“President Obama has made an exceptional choice in his nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor is a principled and dedicated jurist who has earned an extraordinary reputation throughout her distinguished career which includes serving as a federal judge for the past 10 years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Once confirmed, Judge Sotomayor will become the first Hispanic in history elevated to the Court.
All New Yorkers can be proud at the prospect of the Bronx-born leader as a member of the nation’s highest Court. I am confident she will earn broad bi-partisan support based on her record, her thoughtful approach to jurisprudence, and her strong belief in justice for all and the rule of law.
I congratulate her on this humbling honor, and thank the President for supporting this outstanding nominee.”
No surprises, but man, these folks are fast.
