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Support For Sotomayor, Obama Continues Widespread

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   Brushing off right-wing attacks over the nomination of New York federal judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court, Hispanic groups remain steadfast in hailing President Obama’s historic act and Sotomayor’s unblemished record of jurisprudence.

   Obama selected Sotomayor, 54, to replace retiring Justice David Souter, who leaves at the end of the current session this summer.

   "Those of us who have known her for a long time know her as a tough, fair and thoughtful jurist," said U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president Augustine Martínez.

   Obama himself made the point, "Over a distinguished career that spans three decades, Justice Sotomayor has worked at almost every level of our judicial system, providing her with a depth of experience and a breadth of perspective that will be invaluable as a Supreme Court justice."

   Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) expanded that Sotomayor "brings with her the experience, discipline, integrity, commitment and intellectual prowess she cultivated throughout an extensive career. She has consistently demonstrated a balanced, clear-minded respect for our laws and our Constitution."

   Sotomayor was born in The Bronx, N.Y., to Puerto Rican parents, and her nomination is being received with extra pride on the island.

   "Never has the U.S. Supreme Court seen a Puerto Rican rise beyond a clerkship in that institution. President Obama has cracked that glass ceiling for us," said Puerto Rico lieutenant governor and secretary of state Kenneth McClintock. "Once confirmed, Sonia Sotomayor will join the ranks of Louis Brandeis, Thurgood Marshall and Sandra Day O'Connor, whose nominations paved the way for other demographic groups and helped make the United States the more inclusive nation it is today."

   Raised in a public housing project, Sotomayor graduated as her high school valedictorian and attended Princeton University on a scholarship. She is a graduate of Yale Law School, where she served as editor of the Yale Law Journal. "What makes Sotomayor's credentials all the more impressive is her inspiring personal story," said Democratic Vice Chair Linda Chávez-Thompson, vice president emeritus of the AFL-CIO. Sotomayor's parents moved to New York from Puerto Rico during World War II. Her family was of modest means, and her mother instilled in her a belief in the power of an education."

   Sotomayor's experience includes several years as an assistant district attorney in New York City, and as an attorney in private practice. She was appointed to the District Court for the Southern District of New York by President George H.W. Bush, and elevated in 1998 to the Second Circuit Court by President Clinton.

   "The nomination of such an overwhelmingly qualified judge should be celebrated by all Americans," commented U.S. Rep. Charlie González (D-Texas), calling it "tangible proof of the strength derived by the diversity represented in American society."

   Contributed Sen. Mel Martínez (R-Fla.), "As a Hispanic American, I take great pride in seeing the nomination of an Hispanic person to serve in this high position — an historic first. Judge Sotomayor's personal life story is one of great accomplishments and a source of inspiration. It also demonstrates the opportunities our nation has to offer."

    Most conservative groups criticized her nomination. Reacting to her remark seven years about Latinas having special empathy, ex-House Speaker Newt Gingrich called her words racist and urged her to withdraw.

   "Very few doubt Judge Sotomayor's legal experience or her compelling personal story. But confirmation to the Supreme Court should not solely depend on professional experience or biography," said Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) "Confirmation should primarily be based upon fealty to the Constitution."

   Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he would try to ensure as smooth a confirmation process as possible. "Both Democratic and Republican presidents have nominated Judge Sotomayor to the federal bench, and the Senate has confirmed her with strong bipartisan support... I look forward to working with both Democrats and Republicans."

   Sotomayor's nomination will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee before moving on to the full Senate.

   (Patricia Guadalupe, of Washington, D.C., covers Capital Hill for Hispanic Link News Service and other Hispanic print and broadcast media.)

   ©2009

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