HRC Blog

In this blog series, HRC attorneys discuss news and break down legal theories relevant to a U.S. Supreme Court nomination and the recent retirement of Justice David Souter. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted this morning to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court. In a 13-6 vote, Judge Sotomayor earned the support of all twelve Democratic senators, as well as Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).  A full Senate vote is likely to occur next week where she will almost certainly be confirmed. The Senate Judiciary vote came the morning after USA Today published an Op-Ed piece from Ranking Member Jeff Sessions (R-AL) articulating his opposition to Sotomayor. In his piece, Senator Sessions said he believes Judge Sotomayor lacks the “deep-rooted convictions necessary to resist the siren call of judicial activism.” Ironically, USA Today has endorsed Sotomayor. President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sotomayor was denounced by some Republicans after talks and speeches she made were mischaracterized by opponents of her nomination. However, Sotomayor’s 17-year record as a federal district judge and her answers during her confirmation hearing have won over some key Republicans, as prominent Senators like Richard Lugar (R-IN) and Susan Collins (R-ME) said they will vote to confirm her. In fact, Senator Collins (R-ME), said the judge “understands the proper role of a judge and is committed to applying the law impartially without bias or favoritism.” Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, praised Obama’s nomination of Sotomayor and has unequivocally supported her throughout the confirmation process. In his opening statement at the confirmation hearing he concluded that Judge Sotomayor is “a careful and restrained judge with a deep respect for judicial precedent.” Last week, after expressing frustration over the Republicans’ request to postpone the Judiciary Committees’ vote of Sotomayor to today, Senator Leahy promised: “She will be on the Supreme Court when the Supreme Court comes back in September.” HRC has also endorsed Judge Sotomayor.  In a statement released earlier this month, HRC President Joe Solmonese said, “Judge Sotomayor has demonstrated her understanding and commitment to protecting the liberty and equality of all Americans. We are particular impressed with her promise to approach questions of equality with an open mind.  We are confident that Judge Sotomayor is well qualified to become our nation’s next U.S. Supreme Court Justice.” We will continue to monitor Judge Sotomayor’s nomination process. Check back with us on our Equality in the Courts website for up-to-date information and commentary. Contributed by Anthony Catalino, Summer 2009 McCleary Law Fellow