Cornyn seeks Sotomayor assurances

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."