Women

May 26, 2009 -- “As the first Hispanic nominee for the Supreme Court and only the third woman, Judge Sotomayor is certainly making hopeful and positive history. Now we must study her record and philosophy carefully to ensure that she understands the proper role of the judge as impartial umpire – not pitcher or catcher.

“The Constitution is clear that Supreme Court justices must interpret the law and not legislate from the bench. Judge Sotomayor made some comments at Duke University regarding the power of the courts to make policy that do give me pause, and that it is something that I look forward to discussing with her.

“As her nomination progresses, I will be thoroughly reviewing her judicial record and I look forward to her nomination hearing,” said Vitter.    » read more »

May 26, 2009 -- WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M., today released the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the U.S. Supreme Court:

"In many respects Judge Sonia Sotomayor's credentials to ascend to the United States Supreme Court are reminiscent of many other Justices who have followed the same path.

"A high school valedictorian, Sotomayor attended Princeton University before entering Yale Law School, then becoming a respected prosecutor and eventually entering into private practice.    » read more »

May 26, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mark Udall released the following statement on President Obama’s decision to nominate 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor to succeed Justice David Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court.

“As a U.S. Senator I must give my advice and consent before any of the President’s nominees to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court may be seated, and I take my responsibility seriously. I’m going to take my time to study Judge Sotomayor’s record and background, and I look forward to meeting with her.    » read more »

May 26th, 2009 - Washington, D.C. - Senator John Thune, Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement on President Obama's announcement of his nominee to the Supreme Court:

"Now that President Obama has announced Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, I expect a thorough and fair examination of her background, judicial record, and adherence to the Constitution.

"It will be important to determine if Judge Sotomayor will decide cases based on her own personal feelings and political views, or the bedrock rule of law.    » read more »

Washington, D.C. - May 26, 2009 -- Today, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) made the following comments regarding President Obama’s nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court of the United States:

“I applaud the nomination of Judge Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. Her confirmation would add needed diversity in two ways: the first Hispanic and the third woman to serve on the high court. While her record suggests excellent educational and professional qualifications, now it is up to the Senate to discharge its constitutional duty for a full and fair confirmation process.”

Source: Senator Arlen Specter

May 26, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. -- In response to President Obama’s announcement to nominate U.S. appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor of New York to replace retiring justice David Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) issued the following statement today:

"Indisputably, this is an historic selection, as Sonia Sotomayor is just the third woman to be nominated to The Court and the first Hispanic American. I commend President Obama for nominating a well-qualified woman, as I urged him to do during a one-on-one meeting on a variety of issues in the Oval Office earlier this month.    » read more »

May 26, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Richard Shelby today made the following statement regarding the President’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"The Senate must be committed to confirming judges who will interpret the Constitution and the law without prejudice and with the utmost respect for the rule of law. I look forward to reviewing Judge Sotomayor's record to ensure that she has the qualifications and temperament necessary to be the next justice on our Supreme Court."

Source: Senator Richard Shelby

May 26, 2009 -- (Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen released the following statement today in support of Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court:

"Judge Sonia Sotomayor has led a distinguished career as a federal judge and has consistently demonstrated independence and a deep knowledge of the law.

"Her experience, intellect, and integrity prepare her well to serve our country on the United States Supreme Court. I congratulate Judge Sotomayor on her nomination and commend President Obama on this strong selection.

"Judge Sotomayor has received strong bipartisan support in the past, and I look forward to a fair and swift confirmation."

Source: Senator Jeanne Shaheen

May 26, 2009 -- MOBILE -- U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) made the following comments today regarding President Obama’s nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to be Associate Justice of the Supreme Court:

“The president’s nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court today is an important step in a constitutional process that includes the advice and consent of the Senate. I congratulate Ms. Sotomayor on her nomination.    » read more »

BURLINGTON, May 26, 2009 – Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement on the announcement today by President Obama that he will nominate federal appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor for a seat on the Supreme Court.

“In nominating Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court, I very much appreciate that President Obama is attempting to address the gender and ethnic imbalance that currently exists in the highest court in our land.

"As the nominating process unfolds, I look forward to hearing Judge Sotomayor’s views on the most important issues that the Supreme Court will be addressing.    » read more »

May 26, 2009 -- "I would expect President Obama, a former constitutional law professor, to select a high-caliber nominee who shares a deep respect for our Constitution and the rule of law.

"Indeed, Judge Sonia Sotomayor has impeccable credentials and an extraordinary American story. It is also critically important that she possess the proper judicial temperament and the ability to be fair and impartial. I believe this criterion is essential; activist judges have no place on the highest court of the land. That’s why I plan to carefully review Judge Sotomayor’s judicial record and philosophy as the Senate confirmation process advances.    » read more »

May 26, 2009 – Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson issued this statement today concerning President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the United States Supreme Court.

“President Obama is to be commended for selecting a nominee with a significant breadth and depth of legal experience to replace retiring Justice David Souter. I look forward to learning more about Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s background, record and qualifications -- and to meeting with her to discuss her judicial philosophy -- as this important United States Supreme Court nomination moves forward.    » read more »

May 26, 2009 -- “Judge Sonia Sotomayor is an unquestionably qualified Supreme Court choice and an unparalleled example of the true spirit and determination of the American dream. With her nomination, President Obama has responded to America’s need for a Court that is rich in service and experience and one that better reflects the people whose Constitution it is charged with upholding.

“Judge Sotomayor has been nominated to judicial positions by Presidents of both political parties because of her record of fairness, moderation and independence. And she has proven that she can apply sophisticated legal doctrines to common sense, every-day application of the law.    » read more »

May 26, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today commented on President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court:

"I congratulate Judge Sonia Sotomayor on being nominated by the President to the United States Supreme Court.

"As the Senate moves forward with her nomination, I will examine and review very closely Judge Sotomayor’s qualifications and background for a court appointment.

"As a member of the Senate, I take my advice and consent role very seriously, and I look forward to a fair and full debate on this nomination.”

Source: Senator Lisa Murkowski

26-May-2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC – US Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) issued the following statement on President Barack Obama’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court:

“I applaud President Obama’s historic nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the first Hispanic on the Supreme Court, and the third woman to ever serve on the Court.

"She has a compelling personal story as well as a distinguished judicial record.

"Throughout her career, she has worked to make sure that the courthouse doors are open to all. I look forward to carefully reviewing her record during the confirmation process.”

Source: Senator Barbara A. Mikulski