PODER PAC APPLAUDS OBAMA’S NOMINATION OF JUDGE SONIA SOTOMAYOR

May 26, 2009- Washington DC – PODER PAC congratulates President Obama on the historic, bold and inspired choice to nominate Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the next Supreme Court Justice. Sotomayor if confirmed will be the first Hispanic Supreme Court judge and the third woman to sit on the nation’s highest court.

“Today is a great day for Americans and I commend President Obama for showing leadership and brilliance with his choice to nominate Judge Sotomayor,” said PODER PAC Honorary Co-Chair Nydia Velázquez (D-NY).  “Ms. Sotomayor will bring the highest qualifications to the highest court in the land as well as a background and a common sense approach that will give the Supreme Court much needed insight into how opinions and decisions will affect Americans from all walks of life.  The fact that she is the first Latina and the third woman to serve on the high court also earns President Obama much deserved praise for smashing one of highest and hardest barriers left for Latinos and women in American politics.” 

A graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School, a former prosecutor and private attorney, Sotomayor’s legal training is unmatched, bringing more experience to the Supreme Court than any justice confirmed in the past 70 years. 

Sotomayor also enjoys bipartisan support, having been appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1992 and then named an appeals court judge by President Bill Clinton in 1997. 

“Sotomayor’s bipartisanship earns her support, credibility and praise from both sides of the political aisle,” added Honorary Co-Chair Velazquez.  “We strongly urge the US Senate to engage in a timely confirmation process that will enable the Supreme Court a smooth transition after Judge Souter’s retirement.”