Legal News

On the Sotomayor Pick: Views from the Left

By Ashby Jones

A little while ago, we gave you some views from prominent voices on the right side of the political spectrum concerning President Obama’s pick of Second Circuit Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Now, let’s swing you over to the other side of the political spectrum for a handful of opposing takes:

Nan Aron, President, Alliance for Justice:

We are thrilled with this choice. Sonia Sotomayor will be a strong voice to uphold the Constitution and the law to provide equal justice and protect personal freedoms for everyone in America, regardless of wealth, status, or popularity.

President Obama has nominated a highly qualified candidate with a compelling personal story and outstanding educational credentials. Furthermore, the president is making history by nominating the first Latina to the Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor has more federal judicial experience than any justice nominated to the Supreme Court in the past 100 years.

Judges make a huge difference in our lives.

Courts protect our air and water, hold corporations accountable, ensure equal opportunity and fair pay, and safeguard our personal freedoms.

This nomination shows that President Obama is appointing judges who understand that the role of the courts is to give everyone a chance to be heard, to stand up for their rights, and get justice.

Kim Gandy, President, National Organization for Women:

This morning we will celebrate, and this afternoon NOW will launch our “Confirm Her” campaign to ensure the swift confirmation of the next Supreme Court Justice.

Nominated to serve as the third woman and first Hispanic on the Supreme Court in the history of the United States, Judge Sotomayor will serve the nation with distinction. She brings a lifelong commitment to equality, justice and opportunity, as well as the respect of her peers, unassailable integrity, and a keen intellect informed by experience. President Obama said he wanted a justice with “towering intellect” and a “common touch” and he found both in Judge Sotomayor.

What more do women want? We want a swift confirmation in the U.S. Senate, and Associate Justice Sotomayor to join Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Court before the Senate’s August recess.

Michael Keegan, President, People for the American way:

President Obama has made a superb choice. Judge Sotomayor has one of the sharpest intellects on the federal bench. She's shown that she'll bring an open mind to the Court and rule on each case according to its particular merits. Her nomination is a very positive step towards bringing diversity to our highest Court.

President Obama used this opportunity to do exactly what he promised in last year's election-to select a person who has demonstrated an abiding commitment to core constitutional values of justice, opportunity, and equality under the law. He has named someone who understands the impact that the law has on the everyday lives of ordinary Americans.

This nomination is good news for people who care about the future of our rights and liberties. Now it's up to our Senators to avoid the distraction of attacks from the far right and work for a smooth, fair confirmation process. We urge them to confirm Judge Sotomayor with all deliberate speed.

Full post as published by Law Blog - WSJ.com on May 26, 2009 (boomark / email).