Let’s begin this post with the caveat that Sonia Sotomayor is overwhelmingly likely to be confirmed as the Supreme Court’s next Associate Justice.
That said, it’ll still be fun–and possibly educational–to watch those few conservative Democrats (particularly Democrats from states with small Hispanic populations) who often tack right for electoral reasons, or who seem, from time to time, to take great joy in their own obstinance.
Here’s what they’ve said so far, in official statements:
- Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK): Nothing.
- Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT): Nothing.
- Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT): Nothing.
- Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN): Nothing.
- Sen. Blanch Lincoln (D-AR): Amid a mostly positive statement, “I believe the people of Arkansas and our nation deserve a Supreme Court Justice who is able to interpret and apply the law fairly without political favor or bias.”
- Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR): Judge Sonia Sotomayor has impeccable credentials and an extraordinary American story. It is also critically important that she possess the proper judicial temperament and the ability to be fair and impartial. I believe this criterion is essential; activist judges have no place on the highest court of the land. That’s why I plan to carefully review Judge Sotomayor’s judicial record and philosophy as the Senate confirmation process advances.”
- Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND): After praising her credentials and her intellect, Conrad added, for unclear reasons, “We need justices who will impartially interpret the law and the Constitution and have a record of sound judgment.”
- Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE): Nelson–who’s been a bit…curmudgeonly about another Obama nominee, says he seeks judicial nominees who, “follow the law, rather than manipulate the law to promote an activist agenda.” He says, “My main test has always been and remains: Will the nominee follow the law and not make law to fit his or her views?”
Of the senators on this list, only Baucus and Conrad were around to vote on Sotomayor last time she was a judicial nominee–and both supported her. We’ll pay attention as their views evolve.
