Cornyn seeks Sotomayor assurances

Published: May 31, 2009 at 3:24 PM

WASHINGTON, May 31 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, says he's concerned with Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor's commitment to the idea of equality under the law.

Cornyn, appearing Sunday on ABC Television's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," cited a 2001 speech the federal appellate judge delivered in which she asserted that a Latina woman's life experiences could make her a better judge than a white man -- a quote that some critics say is evidence of reverse racism.

"We need to know … whether she's going to be a justice for all of us or a justice for a few of us," he said. "Let's review those 17 years of federal judicial history and let's ask the nominee some questions."

Appearing with Cornyn on "This Week" was Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., who is shepherding Sotomayor's nomination through the Senate. He dismissed accusations made by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and talk radio host Rush Limbaugh that her 2001 speech was racist in nature.

"She has been on the bench 17 years," Schumer said. "More federal judicial experience than any judge in a hundred years. And what has been clear throughout her judicial experience is that she puts rule of law first."

© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Report: Griffey signs with M's for 2010 (3 min)
UPI NewsTrack Business (6 min)
Physical education helps curb teen obesity (11 min)
Study produces new dyslexia findings (27 min)
ESA spacecraft performing well in orbit (42 min)
Wet ethanol process yields more ethanol (44 min)
Legal delays can't wash away shampoo hopes (47 min)
fark
New Jersey judge allows quadriplegic man to buy guns. "He plans to mount the gun on his wheelchair...
Next time you think about yelling at your three-year old for digging in the yard, remember this...
Kyrgyzstan rejects UN ban on death penalty, offer of vowels
You know the price of college textbooks is getting out of hand when one gang of thieves can steal...
AMA calls for more marijuana research, Doritos
Problem: kids selling candy didn't raise much money for their middle school last year. Solution:...