What Republican Senators Should Say About Sonia Sotomayor

It is almost certain that Sonia Sotomayor will be confirmed as the next Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Some Republicans will feel inclined to vote for her and to be honest I do not think I can rightly blame them. If I were in their place I would likely vote for her also. The difference being that while my vote would be blatantly politically motivated it would not be for the obvious reason of not offending the large Latino voting block.

The statement below lays out why I think a vote for Sonia Sotomayor is not inappropriate and what I would like to hear Republican Senators saying about their vote in favor of the first Latina Justice:

Today I announce my support and intention to vote yes on the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court of the United States. I make this vote with some reluctance and trepidation because I do not agree with Sonia Sotomayor on most issues. I do not agree with her judicial philosophy, I do not agree with her personal politics, and I do not agree with her hiding her controversial decisions behind unpublished orders and per curium opinions. However, she has served as a federal appeals court judge for many years and if anything should prepare someone for the highest court in the land that should be toward the top of the list. Appellate service is not an automatic prerequisite or qualifier, but certainly a decent indicator of preparedness.

While I do not agree with Sonia Sotomayor in most instances, I must recognize that compared to the other candidates who are rumored to be on President Obama's short list, Cass Sunstein, Elena Kagan, Diane Woodward, or Duvall Patrick, she is by far the least radical of the group. Furthermore, unlike some of my colleagues I recognize that elections have consequences. One of those consequences is the ability of the President to nominate to the bench who he sees fit and those who adhere to his political leanings.

Therefore, while I acknowledge Judge Sotomayor's short comings, I respect the process and will vote to affirm the President's choice for this vacancy. However, I take this opportunity to draw a line in the sand and tell President Obama that should another vacancy on the bench occur he should not attempt to nominate one of the aforementioned. Not only will he not get my support, but he will incur my vehement opposition.

Thank you and good day!