Sotomayor Hearings: Day One
On this initial day of the confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee gave 10 minute opening statements. Judge Sotomayors homestate senators Senators Schumer and Gillibrand of New York introduced her to the Committee, and Judge Sotomayor gave a short, seven minute opening statement.
The opening statements from the Committee Members clearly established the lines of inquiry for the remainder of the hearing. The Democrats will focus on Judge Sotomayors biography, her experience, and her asserted fidelity to the rule of law. Republicans will focus their concerns on her commitment to impartiality and the rule of law; her ability to separate her personal experiences from her role as a judge; her understanding of the role of a judge as compared to that of a legislating body; her views on foreign law; her views on important constitutional protections, and whether or not she agrees with President Obamas empathy standard.
Judge Sotomayor provided just a glimpse of where she might stand on these issues. In her opening statement she declared that her judicial philosophy was fidelity to the law. She also explained that she structures her opinions by setting out what the law requires and then by explaining why a contrary position, sympathetic or not, is accepted or rejected. We look forward to Judge Sotomayor explaining when and why she would reject what the law requires.
Very few sparks flew in the hearings today; however, Chairman Leahy did provide a cautionary note to Members, stating that he trusted that they would reject the efforts of partisans and outside pressure groups that have sought to create a caricature of Judge Sotomayor while belittling her record, her achievements and her intelligence. Let no one demean this extraordinary woman, her success, or her understanding of the constitutional duties she has faithfully performed for the last 17 years. Chairman Leahy, it appears, is more concerned about politically correct speech than Senators faithfully carrying out their constitutional duty to provide the President with Advice and Consent regarding nominees.
For those following the numbers, the Democrats have declared that they would consider this confirmation hearing successful if Judge Sotomayor received as many Yea votes as Chief Justice Roberts received during his confirmation hearing 78. It remains to be seen whether or not that will happen.
The hearings are expected to take most of the week. We will keep you posted as developments unfold and of course, you can stay informed by our daily radio broadcast, Jay Sekulow Live!