Obama nominates Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court

[fryingdutchman]

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama tapped federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court on Tuesday, making her the first Hispanic in history picked to wear the robes of a justice.

Obama made the formal announcement Tuesday morning in the East Room of the White House.

Calling her "inspiring," the president said, "Judge Sotomayor has worked at almost every level of our judicial system."

"She has never forgotten where she began," added Obama, who praised Sotomayor for her "wisdom accumulated from an inspiring life's journey."

Sotomayor said she was "deeply moved" by her nomination. "My heart today is bursting with gratitude."

If confirmed by the Senate, Sotomayor, 54, would succeed retiring Justice David Souter.

Administration officials say Sotomayor would bring more judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any justice confirmed in the past 70 years.

Obama had said publicly he wanted a justice who combined intellect and empathy — the ability to understand the troubles of everyday Americans.

[fryingdutchman]

More on Sonia Sotomayor
A look at Sotomayor's life and legal career
First Read: It's Sotomayor
Vote: Is she a wise choice for the Supreme Court?

Democrats hold a large majority in the Senate, and barring the unexpected, Sotomayor's confirmation should be assured.

If approved, she would join Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the second woman on the current court.

'Newyorkrican'
Sotomayor is a self-described "Newyorkrican" who grew up in a Bronx housing project after her parents moved to New York from Puerto Rico. She has dealt with diabetes since age 8 and lost her father at age 9, growing up under the care of her mother in humble surroundings. As a girl, inspired by the Perry Mason television show, she knew she wanted to be a judge.

Video

Obama picks Sotomayor for Supreme Court
May 26: President Obama will nominate Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.
NBC News


A graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School, a former prosecutor and private attorney, Sotomayor became a federal judge for the Southern District of New York in 1992. She became an appeals judge in 1998 for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, which covers New York, Vermont and Connecticut.

As a judge, she has a bipartisan pedigree. She was first appointed by a Republican, President George H.W. Bush, then named an appeals judge by President Bill Clinton in 1997.

At her Senate confirmation hearing more than a decade ago, she said, "I don't believe we should bend the Constitution under any circumstance. It says what it says. We should do honor to it."

Notable rulings
In one of her most memorable rulings as federal district judge, Sotomayor essentially salvaged baseball in 1995, ruling with players over owners in a labor strike that had led to the cancellation of the World Series.

As an appellate judge, she sided with the city of New Haven, Conn., in a discrimination case brought by white firefighters after the city threw out results of a promotion exam because too few minorities scored high enough. Ironically, that case is now before the Supreme Court.

Obama's nomination is the first by a Democratic president in 15 years.

His announcement also leaves the Senate four months — more than enough by traditional standards — to complete confirmation proceedings before the Court begins its next term in the fall.

Republican intentions
Republicans have issued conflicting signals about their intentions. While some have threatened filibusters if they deemed Obama's pick too liberal, others have said that is unlikely.

Sonia Sotomayor biography

Name: Sonia Sotomayor
Age-Birthdate-Location: 54; June 25, 1954; New York, N.Y.

Experience: Judge, U. S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 1998-present; judge, U. S. District Court Southern District of New York, 1992-1998; private practice, New York City, 1984-1992; assistant district attorney, New York County, 1979-1984

Education: B.A., Princeton University, 1976; J.D., Yale Law School, 1979.

Quote: "I don't believe we should bend the Constitution under any circumstance. It says what it says. We should do honor to it." — during a 1997 nomination hearing.



• Print this

Given Sotomayor's selection, any decision to filibuster would presumably carry political risks — Hispanics are the fastest-growing segment of the population and an increasingly important one politically.

During the White House announcement, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released a statement saying, "Senate Republicans will treat Judge Sotomayor fairly. But we will thoroughly examine her record to ensure she understands that the role of a jurist in our democracy is to apply the law even-handedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences."

The Republican National Committee also released a statement, adding, "Republicans will reserve judgment on Sonia Sotomayor until there has been a thorough and thoughtful examination of her legal views."

Abortion rights have been a flashpoint in several recent Supreme Court confirmations, although Sotomayor has not authored any controversial rulings on the subject.

Sotomayor's elevation to the appeals court was elayed by Republicans, in part out of concerns she might someday be selected for the Supreme Court. She was ultimately confirmed for the appeals court in 1998 on a 68-28 vote, gathering some Republican support.

Among those voting against her was Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, now the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee that will hold sway over her confirmation.

Now, more than a decade later, Sotomayor possesses credentials Sessions said he wanted in a pick for the high court — years of experience on the bench.

Obama had talked openly about the upside of choosing someone outside the judiciary — every single current justice is a former federal appeals court judge — but passed on at least two serious candidates who had never been judges.

Latina heritage
Sotomayor has spoken openly about her pride in being Latina, and that personal experiences "affect the facts that judges choose to see."

"I simply do not know exactly what the difference will be in my judging," she said in a speech in 2002. "But I accept there will be some based on my gender and my Latina heritage."

From the moment Souter announced his resignation, it was widely assumed Obama would select a woman to replace him, and perhaps a Hispanic as well.

[fryingdutchman]

More on Sonia Sotomayor
A look at Sotomayor's life and legal career
First Read: It's Sotomayor
Vote: Is she a wise choice for the Supreme Court?

Democrats hold a large majority in the Senate, and barring the unexpected, Sotomayor's confirmation should be assured.

If approved, she would join Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the second woman on the current court.

'Newyorkrican'
Sotomayor is a self-described "Newyorkrican" who grew up in a Bronx housing project after her parents moved to New York from Puerto Rico. She has dealt with diabetes since age 8 and lost her father at age 9, growing up under the care of her mother in humble surroundings. As a girl, inspired by the Perry Mason television show, she knew she wanted to be a judge.

Video

Obama picks Sotomayor for Supreme Court
May 26: President Obama will nominate Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.
NBC News


A graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School, a former prosecutor and private attorney, Sotomayor became a federal judge for the Southern District of New York in 1992. She became an appeals judge in 1998 for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, which covers New York, Vermont and Connecticut.

As a judge, she has a bipartisan pedigree. She was first appointed by a Republican, President George H.W. Bush, then named an appeals judge by President Bill Clinton in 1997.

At her Senate confirmation hearing more than a decade ago, she said, "I don't believe we should bend the Constitution under any circumstance. It says what it says. We should do honor to it."

Notable rulings
In one of her most memorable rulings as federal district judge, Sotomayor essentially salvaged baseball in 1995, ruling with players over owners in a labor strike that had led to the cancellation of the World Series.

As an appellate judge, she sided with the city of New Haven, Conn., in a discrimination case brought by white firefighters after the city threw out results of a promotion exam because too few minorities scored high enough. Ironically, that case is now before the Supreme Court.

Obama's nomination is the first by a Democratic president in 15 years.

His announcement also leaves the Senate four months — more than enough by traditional standards — to complete confirmation proceedings before the Court begins its next term in the fall.

Republican intentions
Republicans have issued conflicting signals about their intentions. While some have threatened filibusters if they deemed Obama's pick too liberal, others have said that is unlikely.

Sonia Sotomayor biography

Name: Sonia Sotomayor
Age-Birthdate-Location: 54; June 25, 1954; New York, N.Y.

Experience: Judge, U. S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 1998-present; judge, U. S. District Court Southern District of New York, 1992-1998; private practice, New York City, 1984-1992; assistant district attorney, New York County, 1979-1984

Education: B.A., Princeton University, 1976; J.D., Yale Law School, 1979.

Quote: "I don't believe we should bend the Constitution under any circumstance. It says what it says. We should do honor to it." — during a 1997 nomination hearing.



• Print this

Given Sotomayor's selection, any decision to filibuster would presumably carry political risks — Hispanics are the fastest-growing segment of the population and an increasingly important one politically.

During the White House announcement, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released a statement saying, "Senate Republicans will treat Judge Sotomayor fairly. But we will thoroughly examine her record to ensure she understands that the role of a jurist in our democracy is to apply the law even-handedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences."

The Republican National Committee also released a statement, adding, "Republicans will reserve judgment on Sonia Sotomayor until there has been a thorough and thoughtful examination of her legal views."

Abortion rights have been a flashpoint in several recent Supreme Court confirmations, although Sotomayor has not authored any controversial rulings on the subject.

Sotomayor's elevation to the appeals court was elayed by Republicans, in part out of concerns she might someday be selected for the Supreme Court. She was ultimately confirmed for the appeals court in 1998 on a 68-28 vote, gathering some Republican support.

Among those voting against her was Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, now the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee that will hold sway over her confirmation.

Now, more than a decade later, Sotomayor possesses credentials Sessions said he wanted in a pick for the high court — years of experience on the bench.

Obama had talked openly about the upside of choosing someone outside the judiciary — every single current justice is a former federal appeals court judge — but passed on at least two serious candidates who had never been judges.

Latina heritage
Sotomayor has spoken openly about her pride in being Latina, and that personal experiences "affect the facts that judges choose to see."

"I simply do not know exactly what the difference will be in my judging," she said in a speech in 2002. "But I accept there will be some based on my gender and my Latina heritage."

From the moment Souter announced his resignation, it was widely assumed Obama would select a woman to replace him, and perhaps a Hispanic as well.

[fryingdutchman]

OK...not sure why that double posted....

[FORD]

Hard to believe the Repukes are already trying to label her as a "librul activist" when she is in reality a Poppy Bush appointee who was a corporate "intellectual property" litigator.

In other words, Obama took the "safe" choice this time. I suppose she's an adequate replacement for Souter, but I expect better than this when Ginsburg or Stevens retires.

[sadaist]

Obama had said publicly he wanted a justice who combined intellect and empathy — the ability to understand the troubles of everyday Americans.

Empathetic Supreme Court Justice? Aren't they to be blind without feeling, solely interpreting the Constitution as intended. If you start throwing in feelings, some may get preferential treatment.

[ZahZoo]

Tough call on this one... she's got some good qualities, but also has a fairly spotty record with a lot of her rulings over-turned. Somethings tells me there's better candidates... but I don't know... hard to come up with one.

[fryingdutchman]

It looks like the Ricci vs. DeStefano case up in Connecticut will be key in how people judge her.

[Big Train]

Hard to believe the Repukes are already trying to label her as a "librul activist" when she is in reality a Poppy Bush appointee who was a corporate "intellectual property" litigator.

In other words, Obama took the "safe" choice this time. I suppose she's an adequate replacement for Souter, but I expect better than this when Ginsburg or Stevens retires.

Well, they do have some pretty good tape to work with on her.

[kwame k]

Phew, gonna be tough for the Repukes to hit her hard. Being of Latino decent and the Repukes needing every voter they can get. As FORD said, she's a Bush appointee and I'm not thrilled with her but I do think it's a brilliant political move by Obama.....albeit a cautious one.

[jhale667]

Yeah, there's almost no way the Repukes can not come off like douchebags here...

[Nickdfresh]

Fucking Republican hypocrites. Activist judges? Spare me! They're the ones pissing themselves over Roe vs. Wade and trying to push judges in with a premeditated agenda of euthanizing the Supreme Court and abdicating its responsibility as the third branch of gov't based largely on corporate lobbying....

[Big Train]

I don't see why anyone should be afraid of her or her ethnicity. That is hypocrisy of the highest order. You cannot press her on the issues BECAUSE of her ethnicity? Come again? In a society where we put so much emphasis on keeping it gender and racially neutral (discrimination, profiling etc..), to have someone shielded from having to answer tough questions on the basis of gender or ethnicity is a double standard and it does a disservice to her, whether she wants that protection or not.

If the GOP had any balls, they would go after her. If there is a Latino vote, the masses already vote Democrat, so there is no real loss to fear. If anything you may gain the respect of some Latino voters who don't want to be lockstep with Democrats. Those who still think for themselves and aren't thought of merely as a "bloc".

She has a lot to answer for. I want to know why white men can't make the same level of informed decisions as a Latina woman with "richness" of experiences (which by the way made my wife, who is Latina and surely has the same level of "richness" in her upbringing, laugh out loud). That's a racist statement in any context, it cannot be denied. I'd like an answer for that.

She has had 3/5 of her decisions heard by the supreme court overturned. A pundit on MSNBC was saying last nite "Well you can't really judge her on that. The majority of her cases were not overturned". WTF? She is auditioning for a gig AT the Supreme Court, where they think her decisions are shit. That is the real point. Of the stuff of hers they have seen, they think she is wrong most of the time. That cannot be considered lightly.

[WACF]

I don't see why anyone should be afraid of her or her ethnicity. That is hypocrisy of the highest order. You cannot press her on the issues BECAUSE of her ethnicity? Come again? In a society where we put so much emphasis on keeping it gender and racially neutral (discrimination, profiling etc..), to have someone shielded from having to answer tough questions on the basis of gender or ethnicity is a double standard and it does a disservice to her, whether she wants that protection or not.

If the GOP had any balls, they would go after her. If there is a Latino vote, the masses already vote Democrat, so there is no real loss to fear. If anything you may gain the respect of some Latino voters who don't want to be lockstep with Democrats. Those who still think for themselves and aren't thought of merely as a "bloc".

She has a lot to answer for. I want to know why white men can't make the same level of informed decisions as a Latina woman with "richness" of experiences (which by the way made my wife, who is Latina and surely has the same level of "richness" in her upbringing, laugh out loud). That's a racist statement in any context, it cannot be denied. I'd like an answer for that.

She has had 3/5 of her decisions heard by the supreme court overturned. A pundit on MSNBC was saying last nite "Well you can't really judge her on that. The majority of her cases were not overturned". WTF? She is auditioning for a gig AT the Supreme Court, where they think her decisions are shit. That is the real point. Of the stuff of hers they have seen, they think she is wrong most of the time. That cannot be considered lightly.

Bingo...

[sadaist]

WTF? She is auditioning for a gig AT the Supreme Court, where they think her decisions are shit. That is the real point. Of the stuff of hers they have seen, they think she is wrong most of the time. That cannot be considered lightly.

And according to her own statement, a latina woman with her background should reach better conclusions more often than not compared to a white male. I wonder if Justice Roberts would have been confirmed had he said a white male should reach better conclusions than a (enter any ethnicity here). Double edged sword of hypocrisy strikes again.