Conservative Groups Want GOP to Oppose, Possibly Filibuster, Sonia Sotomayor
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
June 2, 2009
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Conservative political groups are asking Republican members of the Senate to filibuster the nomination of Supreme Court pick Sonia Sotomayor. They are concerned about her judicial philosophy in light of comments she previously made saying the courts are the place to make legislative policy.
President Barack Obama selected the Hispanic appeals court judge to replace retiring pro-abortion Justice David Souter.
Since then, both pro-life and pro-abortion groups have been wary about her position and wanting the Senate to extract more information from her on where she stands on the infamous Roe v. Wade case that allowed virtually unlimited abortions.
Leading pro-life advocates are concerned that, despite some minor rulings upholding pro-life policy or siding with the pro-life position, she will uphold Roe and unlimited abortions. Abortion advocates has given Sotomayor soft support and cite anecdotal evidence such as comments from colleagues who say she firmly supports legal abortions.
Now, a collection of more than 145 conservative political activists — including names such as Grover Norquist, Richard Viguerie and Gary Bauer — are calling for Senate Republicans to oppose Sotomayor.
They are concerned about the lukewarm stance of many GOP lawmakers who are reluctant to strongly oppose Sotomayor in the face of her status as a Hispanic woman and knowing they likely don’t have the votes to block her nomination.
The activists are also concerned about Senate Democrats rushing through her nomination and preventing a comprehensive hearing process that could divulge more about where Sotomayor will come down on abortion and other contentious political issues.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell makes it appear some Republicans will shape the debate as one about judicial philosophy.
While pro-life advocates want Supreme Court judges who will respect the rule of law and legislative authority to determine abortion law, abortion advocates prefer judges, possibly like Sotomayor, who will make up the law from the bench.
McConnell on Monday said “the most important [principles] are these: Americans expect and should receive equal treatment under the law, and Americans want judges who understand their role is to interpret the law, not write it.”
"Republicans take very seriously our obligation to review anyone who is nominated to a lifetime position on our nation’s highest court," McConnell told the Washington Post. "The Senate will, therefore, thoroughly review Judge Sotomayor’s judicial record to ensure a full and informed debate over her qualifications."
Meanwhile, Sotomayor is on Capitol Hill this week to begin visiting Senate members and she starts the process with visits to pro-abortion Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
Sotomayor remarked in 2005 that the courts are the place "where policy is made."
In a videotaped statement, she goes on to say, “And I know — I know this is on tape, and I should never say that because we don’t make law. I know. O.K. I know. I’m not promoting it. I’m not advocating it. I’m — you know."
Related web sites:
Video of Sotomayor comment – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfC99LrrM2Q
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