The Odds & Issues of Sotomayor's Nomination

by Leigh Graham · 2009-05-26 11:00:00 UTC
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My first two posts on Sotomayor are here and here.  In Obama's introduction of Judge Sonia Sotomayor this morning, he says she'll be the only sitting judge with trial judge experience.  Here are links to Sotomayor's legal opinions in which at least one judge dissented.

Tom at SCOTUSblog has the four lines of attack likely to be launched against her and warns the GOP against attacking an historic Latin@ nominee; he thinks she's a likely confirmation, barring any crazy skeletons in her closet.  Here's further clarification of her "Appeals judges set policy" remark-cum-meme that will arise.

Yet, Nate at FiveThirtyEight says Intrade expects only a 20% chance of confirmation.  Here's the list of current Senators who voted for her past nominations.

Christy Hardin Smith thinks there will be some "affirmative action" clouded dog whistles coming from the right-wing, given her decision on the New Haven firefighters' case that has now gone to the Supreme Court.  She reminds us that Sotomayor is left-centrist more than the radical liberal activist she's made out to be (bummer, I know).  (Def. of "dog whistle" here.)

Gay Rights blogger Mike wonders how she'll work out for LGBT rights and equality.  A commenter there weighs in that Sotomayor should be a strong advocate for children and hopes that she'll bring the same favorable legal reasoning to the issue of LGBT equality.

Finally, related to the discussion we had here yesterday around Michelle Obama's impact as a role model for low-income children of color, Steve Benen quotes Sotomayor on that lingering insecurity and outsider status many of us feel when we "make it" against the odds:

"I have spent my years since Princeton, while at law school and in my various professional jobs, not feeling completely a part of the worlds I inhabit," she said, adding that that despite her accomplishments, "I am always looking over my shoulder wondering if I measure up."

Confirmation hearings should begin in July.

(Photo of Sotomayor from Pace Univ. commencement, 2003)

Leigh Graham
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