GOPers for and against Sotomayor in '98

Posted: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:18 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress, Courts, Republicans

From NBC's Chris Donovan and Mark Murray
When the Senate confirmed Sonia Sotomayor to sit on the 2nd Circuit back in 1998, 29 Republicans voted AGAINST her -- including current Sens. Grassley, Hutchison, Kyl, McCain, McConnell, and Sessions (the latter of whom is the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee).

But 23 Republicans also voted FOR her -- including current Sens. Collins, Gregg, Hatch, Lugar, Snowe, and Specter (the latter of whom is now a Democrat).

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Comments

so far my only criticism with Obama's pick is her age - she's too old. He should have picked a 40 something year old who would be on the bench for the next 40 years!

pat huntington ny (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:22 AM)

So what? Factor in what she has done for the last 11 years.

(you mean Collins and Snowe AREN'T Democrat???)

Betsy W. (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:26 AM)

Well, we only need a couple. I guess the news story right now is where Senator Bill Nelson weighs in? HA

As a Dem, he has stated he would be willing to fillibuster,...we really do have a very bizarre 'tent' of folks who call themselves Dems. It is still more inclusive than the G'NO'P; but frustrating at times.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:26 AM)

THEY GAVE HER THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT .. AND SHE PROVED HERSELF TO BE A "JUDICAL RADICAL" --- SO NOW SHE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE.

THEY GAVE HER THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT .. mistake! (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:28 AM)

What else is new? They agree with something when it suits their wraped agenda.

Feisty, been trying to answer you back and this trick Chris Evensen, Orland, Fl. You certinally spoke the truth about his sick little comment...was he raised by wolves...you think?

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:31 AM)

I am so proud of President Obama having the courage to pick the best candidate to replace Souter, especially since it means he's picked the one who is most hated by the socially conservative evangelical lunatic fringe. I just love seeing President Obama give the repugnant ones the fickle finger of fate with his excellent choice. It is going to be so much fun watching the deadbeats whine impotently against her. Well I guess that takes the heat of Nancy Pelosi, the favorite whipping girl of the evil elephants.

In Sonia Sotomayor We Trust!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:36 AM)

Feisty, been trying to answer you back and this trick Chris Evensen, Orland, Fl. You certinally spoke the truth about his sick little comment...was he raised by wolves...you think?
Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:31 AM)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nah... TROLLS living in a trailer down by the river would be my guess!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:38 AM)

The Rupulicans say that they will fully vet her and give her a fair chance. I guess that we will have to wait and see on that, my feeling is that the same old patisan politics will play a major role. This is not just a knock on the Republicans, the Democrats would do the same thing if the roles were reversed. The only difference is that the Republicans attack people and don't listen. If she is qualified then let her have it, but if she is not look for someone else, don't just have your mind already made up because of her political views. I hope that this becomes a fair process like is being suggested but I have my doubts.

Shawn Sunderman (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:54 AM)

Unqualified potus nominating an unqualified judge. Nothing new here, just the hope and change of liars, cheats and criminals.

Linda Klepper, Upland, California (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:59 AM)

To all of the commentators who say that Cardozo, and not Sotomayor, is the first hispanic SC Justice, I guess it depends on whether you include Portugese heritage as hispanic. From Wikipedia:

Born in New York City to Albert and Rebecca Nathan Cardozo, Benjamin was a twin, with his sister Emily. Some of Cardozo's ancestors were Portuguese Jews who immigrated to Britain's North American colonies in the 1740s and 1750s from Portugal[1] via the Netherlands and England. The surname Cardozo (Cardoso) is of Portuguese origin.

Jay Jones (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:07 PM)

Hey Feisty - I usually agree with you, but what a mean thing to say about trolls.

I guess I'll have to be satisfied with Sonia Sotomayor, since William O. Douglas is not available. I remember Rush once proposed that women not be allowed to be named judges because they let compassion interfere with their decisions. Huh?

We're going to get to do this at least three more times during President Obama's next seven and a half years, so let the right blow themselves out over this pick. Kaptain Karl's Krew will not be happy, but it could have been Hillary fellows...

Tim Stocken, Highland Lakes, NJ (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:17 PM)

Excellent pick. I am married to a Hispanic but that has nothing to do with why I am pleased with this pick. This woman has an amazing resume and was tapped by both GW Bush and Clinton, showing she has bipartisan appeal. The fact that she was not born into riches adds to the empathy element since she is not blind to common struggles. I think she will rule fairly and according to the Constitution. I hear she is a tough lady (I've already heard sexist comments that she is overly aggressive-would they say that about a male candidate?)but that's what we need: someone willing to make strong arguments amongst a group of powerful minds. If she wowed Pres. Obama, I'll bet she will wow the nation as we watch her confirmation process. I think we will all be just as impressed and she will be easily confirmed, despite some whining from the far right.
Proud Member: RepublicansforObama.org

Izzy Buffalo, NY (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:20 PM)

I wonder if she's paid her taxes.

Maybe we'll hear that she just found out she owes some and will quietly send the IRS a check.

ster411, denver, Co (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:45 PM)

"empathy element since she is not blind to common struggles."

Um.... do you know why the statue of "Justice" is blindfolded? Because you are SUPPOSED TO BE BLIND to empathy or anything else.

Plus, in three cases she brought to the Supreme Court, the Court rejected her argument because she GOT THE LAW WRONG!!!!!! LOL!

Look it up!

ster441, denver, co (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:47 PM)

I predict her nomination will be recinded. Or she will drop out.

She is not the genius people think.
The SCOTUS has even rejected her arguments as erring in the law. Duh!

ssde3 (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:49 PM)

Unqualified potus nominating an unqualified judge. Nothing new here, just the hope and change of liars, cheats and criminals.
Linda Klepper, Upland, California (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:59 AM)
____________

Do-nothing response from a do-nothing poster. Nothing new here, just more sour grapes from a party out of power.

Get over yourself (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 1:18 PM)

So, let's see if the GOP, who were firmly behind doing away with the filibuster for judicial appointments when they had power, do an about face and suddenly feel the filibuster for judicial appointees is warranted after all.

Any bets?

Anyone?

....anyone? (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 1:19 PM)

President Obama has, once again, made a stellar choice. Those who want to grandstand, obstruct, and whine about the nomination will have their 15 minutes in the spotlight and then she will be confirmed. Remember the nation and the world are watching. Proper vetting and tough questions are and should be expected but in the end there should be no major reason to disqualify Sonya Sotomayor from joining the SCOTUS.

eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 1:27 PM)

I wish the Rupublicans had vetted W before he became their nominee in 2000

Ben Purser, Royal Oak, MI (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 2:12 PM)

Okay first read. I have posted several responses and not one has shown up. Why is that?

eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 2:24 PM)

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