(Host) Senator Patrick Leahy spent one-on-one time with Judge Sonia Sotomayor Tuesday on Capitol Hill.
He delivered a strong defense of the Supreme Court nominee’s record and qualifications.
(Leahy) "I know how difficult it is for somebody who’s nominated. They can’t answer charges, they can’t speak out. I think some of the attacks against her have been some of the most vicious I’ve ever seen."
(Host) Some high-profile Republicans have painted Sotomayor as a racist and a bigot. Leahy told reporters that in their meeting, Sotomayor addressed the controversy surrounding remarks she made about being a Latina judge.
(Leahy) "What she said was, of course one’s life experience shapes who you are. But ultimately and completely – and she used those words, "ultimately and completely" – as a judge, you follow the law."
(Host) Leahy pointed out that Republican senators have not been the ones lobbing the attacks – and that it will be the Senate, not pundits, who confirm or deny the next member of the high court.
Confirmation hearings could happen as early as July; Leahy – who is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee – says he does not want to wait until September.