Sotomayor Confirmed!
Congratulations to our new Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor!
From Alliance for Justice:
By a vote of 68 – 31 the Senate has just confirmed Sonia Sotomayor as Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. Sotomayor’s confirmation to the Supreme Court is an historic, groundbreaking event that marks the start of a new day for justice in America. Her confirmation is just the beginning of the significant change that President Obama can bring to our judicial system.
Both the White House and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy have thanked AFJ for our work on this historic confirmation.
We share this gratitude with the entire AFJ community, and know that we truly did make a difference. As you may know, our efforts started years ago when we helped secure Sotomayor’s elevation to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Your support is needed now to help us continue the fight for a fair and independent judiciary.
Hundreds of federal judges and several more Supreme Court justices will be appointed during President Obama’s administration. We must take this opportunity to start the conversation we have long been denied about the need for strong and progressive voices on the court.
Sotomayor’s confirmation begins that process. We must keep up the pressure to appoint judges who will uphold the Constitution’s promise of equal justice for all.
From America’s Voice:
Sotomayor Confirmation Vote Reveals GOP “Latino Problem”
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Offers Chance to Regain Lost Ground
Washington, DC – Today, Judge Sonia Sotomayor became the first ever Latina and only the third woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States. This will surely be seen as a historic moment for all Americans, including the Latino community. Unfortunately, what should have been a proud moment of bipartisanship was tarnished by the divisive votes of so many Republican senators who opposed Sotomayor.
“The confirmation of Justice Sotomayor to the Supreme Court is a historic moment for our country, and for all Americans. Her achievements show that hard work and perseverance can still make the American Dream come true no matter where you came from. Unfortunately, the thirty-one Republican senators who voted against Sotomayor–after acknowledging her distinguished record–show that the GOP has yet to change its stripes and set aside partisanship in favor of progress,” said Paco Fabián, Communications Director of America’s Voice.
“Following the Republican Party’s historic losses among Latino voters in the 2008 elections, you would think that GOP leaders would realize that they need to change course or risk further marginalization. But only nine Republican senators decided to set aside partisan politics and support Sotomayor. Opposing such a qualified nominee hardly sends a message of inclusion to Latino voters. The GOP will have another chance to redeem itself when Congress considers comprehensive immigration reform later this year; if the Party continues its ‘politics as usual’ strategy, watch for further losses among Latino voters in 2010 and beyond,” Fabián concluded.
bh