Graham supports Sotomayor confirmation

WASHINGTON, July 22 (UPI) -- A key Republican senator announced Wednesday on the Senate floor he will support U.S. Circuit Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who had been one of Sotomayor's toughest questioners during confirmation hearings, said he backs her nomination.

Graham said President Barack Obama deserves "deference" in choosing a new justice to replace retired Justice David Souter, Politico reported. "I believe she follows precedent, and I believe she is not an activist judge," he said.

He also told his fellow Republicans "elections matter," The New York Times reported.

Politico said other Republicans may follow Graham's lead. He is the fifth GOP senator to support her nomination.

But the Times said two other Republican senators, Jon Kyl of Arizona and Thad Cochran of Mississippi, announced their opposition.

The Judiciary Committee has set next Tuesday for a vote on her confirmation. The Democratic Senate majority, with 60 votes, is expected confirm Sotomayor with little trouble.