Senate debate of Sotomayor continues

On Tuesday, the Senate began debate on the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.  With all the Senate Democrats and at least 6 Republicans expected to vote for her, Sotomayor’s  confirmation is all but certain.  Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., the majority leader, expressed disappointment that more of his Republican colleagues will not support the nominee, calling her “a moderate, mainstream judge” and an “outstanding nominee."   Sen. Mitch McConnell, the minority leader, questioned Sotomayor’s ability to be impartial.  Among the Republicans opposing Sotomayor is Senator John McCain, who called her a “judicial activist.”  He said, “an excellent resume and an inspiring life story are not enough to qualify one for a lifetime of service on the Supreme Court…Judge Sotomayor seeks to amend the law to fit the circumstances of the case, thereby substituting herself in the role of a legislator.”  Senator Patrick Leahy, chair of the Judiciary Committee, said Sotomayor’s story is “a reminder to all of the continuing vitality of the American dream."