McCain to vote against Sotomayor

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said Monday he will vote against President Barack Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court, U.S. Judge Sonia Sotomayor.

"There is no doubt that Judge Sotomayor has the professional background and qualifications that one hopes for in a Supreme Court nominee," McCain said on the floor of the U.S. Senate. "And obviously, Judge Sotomayor's life story is inspiring and compelling."

McCain said an outstanding resume and an inspiring life aren't enough for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, MSNBC reported.

McCain said he didn't think Sotomayor shared his belief in judicial restraint and offered a bit of tit-for-tat -- noting that a Hispanic nominated by President George W. Bush for a circuit court post was blocked by Democrats in the Senate.

"Though she attempted to walk back from her long public record of judicial activism during her confirmation hearings, Judge Sotomayor cannot change her record," McCain said.

"(Regardless) of one's success in academics and in government service, an individual who does not appreciate the common sense limitations on judicial power in our democratic system of government ultimately lacks a key qualification for a lifetime appointment to the bench," the 2008 Republican presidential nominee. "For this reason, and no other, I am unable to support Judge Sotomayor's nomination."