Sens. Martinez, Nelson offer initial thoughts on Sotomayor
by George Bennett | May 26th, 2009Republican Sen. Mel Martinez expressed “great pride” at the nomination of a fellow Hispanic — appellate Judge Sonia Sotomayor — for a Supreme Court vacancy and said he looks forward to a fair and thorough confirmation process that evaluates her “experience, fairness, impartiality, temperament, and knowledge of the law.”
Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson said Sotomayor has “extensive judicial exprience” and said he wants “a more detailed review of her record” during her confirmation.
Read their full statements after the jump…..
Sen. Mel Martinez’s statement on the Sotomayor nomination:
“During the twenty-five years I spent in Florida courts, I gained a great respect for our judicial system and the importance it plays in our society. At the apex of this system is the Supreme Court of the United States. On that court, we must have the very best.
“As an Hispanic-American, I take great pride in seeing the nomination of an Hispanic person to serve in this high position – an historic first. Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s personal life story is one of great accomplishments and a source of inspiration; it also demonstrates the great opportunities our nation has to offer.
“The appointment and confirmation of Federal judges is the only time that the Constitution brings all three branches of our government together into one unified process. These unique opportunities require that all participants work to ensure the process is both fair and thorough. When it comes to judicial candidates, we ought to look at experience, fairness, impartiality, temperament, and knowledge of the law. I look forward to participating in a fair and thorough process as the Senate conducts its constitutionally-required examination of Judge Sotomayor’s qualifications for serving on the nation’s highest court.”
Sen. Bill Nelson’s statement:
“The president has picked someone with extensive judicial experience for the Supreme Court. I’m told she brings an open mind to each case she hears and decides them on the merits. I look forward to a more detailed review of her record during the confirmation process.”
Tags: Sonia Sotomayor
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May 26th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
When are we going to stop looking the adjective in front of names and commenting to the fact that one is hispanic, African American, etc. Should we not be looking at the real facts. Can that person do the job? I am tired of the quotas and the polical correctness in this country. We are all Americans, and jobs should be given to those who qualify, not through affirmative action. It is getting ridiculous. Ms. Sotomayor, has made very racists statements. Were those statements made by a white male, hell would hve broken loose.