Hatch to Vote Against Sotomayor Confirmation

07.24.2009 by Jeff Robinson

(KCPW News) Senator Orrin Hatch will not support Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation to the Supreme Court, but he didn’t say exactly why in a statement released today.

He said he went into the process wanting to support her, and that he highly respected her.

“However, after thoroughly reviewing Judge Sotomayor’s record and being able to hear her testimony and responses during the hearing process, I reluctantly, and with a heavy heart, have found that I cannot support her nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court,” he said in a statement.  “In truth, I wish President Obama had chosen a Hispanic nominee that all Senators could support. I believe it would have done a great deal for our great country. Although Judge Sotomayor has a compelling life story and dedication to public service, her statements and record were too much at odds with the principles about the judiciary in which I deeply believe.”

Senator Bob Bennett also plans to vote “no” when her confirmation reaches the senate floor.  However, Judge Sotomayor is expected to be easily confirmed by a simple majority vote, since Republicans won’t filibuster her confirmation.