SENATOR COLLINS MEETS WITH JUDGE SONIA SOTOMAYOR
June 4, 2009
U.S. Senator Susan Collins today met privately with Judge Sonia Sotomayor for 45 minutes. President Obama nominated Judge Sotomayor to succeed Justice David Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Following their meeting, Senator Collins released this statement:
"Confirming a Supreme Court nominee is one of the Senate's most important constitutional responsibilities. That is why I appreciated this opportunity to explore Judge Sotomayor's judicial philosophy, her respect for precedents, and her ability to apply the law and Constitution fairly.
"During our meeting, I was able to ask Judge Sotomayor a broad range of questions. Much of our discussion focused on a speech that she delivered in 2001 in which she says she "would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life." I have been troubled by this remark, which the Judge described as being part of her "aspirational speeches," rather than her approach to deciding cases.
"I am also disappointed that Judge Sotomayor could not discuss her controversial decision in the case involving New Haven firefighters because it is currently pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.
"Clearly, Judge Sotomayor has a compelling life story and a long record of judicial service.
"I look forward to a timely, fair and open confirmation process during which I will evaluate Judge Sotomayor's integrity, temperament, professional qualifications and accomplishments, but I will reserve final judgment until the Judiciary Committee completes its hearings."
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