A New Yorker for the Supreme Court

As the new junior senator from New York, I've already had a lot of exciting moments. But I'm already anticipating the moment next month when the name of another New Yorker, Judge Sonia Sotomayor, comes up for confirmation to the Supreme Court.

I was extremely proud when President Obama nominated Judge Sotomayor for the Supreme Court. Not only is she a true New Yorker, born and bred, but her 17 years of experience on the bench -- having served as a District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York and on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit -- make her among the most qualified jurists ever to be nominated to the Supreme Court.

In Judge Sotomayor, we have a jurist whose life experience allows her to understand, respect, and connect with the people whose lives will be affected by the Court. She is the quintessential New York story - she was born in the Bronx, lost her dad at age 9 and was raised by her mom in a Bronx housing project. But through discipline and hard work, Judge Sotomayor went on to graduate with honors from Princeton University and get her law degree from Yale Law School.

Judge Sotomayor has served in a range of legal professions, having served as a big city prosecutor and a corporate litigator before being nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by President George H. W. Bush. As a member of the extremely influential 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, Sotomayor has developed a reputation as one of the most respected appellate judges in the country.

I'm also thrilled that President Obama chose not only the third woman ever to be nominated to the Supreme Court, but the first Latina. I think it's extremely important that the highest court in the land reflect the diversity of our nation and Judge Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court takes us one step further toward that vision. This is why I urged President Obama to make this historic choice earlier this year.

Most important of all though, it's clear to me after having met Judge Sotomayor, as I had the privilege to do a couple weeks ago, and after having looked at the quality of her record, that Judge Sotomayor will, first and foremost, be a fierce advocate for the rule of law on the court. Not only does Judge Sotomayor understand the rule of law as a guiding principle, but she's someone who, in her 17 years as a judge, has truly followed that principle.

As we approach Judge Sotomayor's confirmation hearings, which are set to begin on July 13th, I have every confidence that as my colleagues in the Senate meet her, they will realize what I have: that Judge Sonia Sotomayor is an eminently qualified Supreme Court nominee who, as a justice, will apply the rule of law without personal bias.

I urge my Senate colleagues to grant Judge Sotomayor the swift and respectful confirmation she deserves.

Comments

[franwnyc]

Look Senator:
The State Legislature is a mess. Just what do you intend to do about it?
You are supposedly a democrat (which I doubt) and a party leader.
Perhaps you can get the President's ear on this one too.
I'd like to see Judge Sotomayor on the Supreme Court, for sure.
I just don't want to see you elected this November.
And when you go, take the entire legislature and the governor with you!!

[mgarner1]

Dear Senator Gillibrand,
Once again you've staked out a brave position. Now tell me, where do you stand on taxing employer provided health care benefits. I think a lot of your constituents would like to know. Thanks.

[dphilip]

I saw a video of her from several years ago making statements about how she benefited from affirmative action even in regard to her grades while at Harvard. So. doesn't that essentially make this an affirmative action appointment to the highest court in the land?

[jotunloki]

And the link to this supposed video is?

[LaughingMan]

......you mean, (or are trying to imply) like Obama's presidency? Oh, wait, he kicked your butts in that fair and square.

You Repugs just can't stand the idea of a qualified and talented minority, can you?

[jestanle]

Not justice...empathy, that's what we want from our judges understanding and empathy. Who needs that old justice stuff.

[dphilip]

Well Senator, after witnessing they way you undermined your own princples on the gun issue in order to appease your party's agenda, it's difficult to accept your guidance on any other significant issues.

[Bladernr1001]

"In Judge Sotomayor, we have a jurist whose life experience allows her to understand, respect, and connect with the people whose lives will be affected by the Court."

It is clear from this statement that you have no idea what the job of a judge is. A judge is supposed to render opinions with impartiality....not connect with people. She should be summarily dismissed from consideration if this is her approach as a jurist.

[jestanle]

Well said....

[NormDePleum]

Very well said!

[Bladernr1001]

Miguel Estrada was at least as qualified....why didn't he become the first Hispanic SC jurist??????

[glorialovelace]

Ask Dubya. Now Estrada will have to wait for another Republican administration. It might be a long time.

[Bladernr1001]

Ask the freakin liberals who rolled out the mud campaign......

[amarti57]

Just like the "swift and respectful" confirmation Priscilla Owen deserved?

[me again]

As a New Yorker and a Democrat I'm pleased you support the Judge. However, I'm not pleased with your stances on a number of issues from gun control, to your general lack of involvement in NYC issues. At this point, it feels like we have one Senator, Chuck Schumer.

[NormDePleum]

And you are exactly the kind of "democrat" who can stay in NYC with Schumer (and keep your issues!) The rest of us in the big State of New York like Senator Gillibrand just fine..

[me again]

And you can keep Golisano; an un-elected billionaire who controls the state assembly.

[strawberryjulius]

The majority of the population of New York State lives in the New York City metro area. Like it or not, one person = one vote, and there are a lot of votes in the city. She owes it to her constituents to advocate in the senate on their behalf.

[NuisanceMan]

Actually, Sotomayor's the FOURTH woman to be nominated to the Supreme Court, after O'Connor, Ginsburg, and Harriet Miers.

[TJCole]

Really, have you read The Kelo Decision...?

I didn't think so...

[joebaggadonuts]

Thanks for this.

I have wondered why people who oppose seating Sotomayor are seemingly against wisdom on the Supreme Court bench.

[Bladernr1001]

So what is your definition of wisdom?

[RickCoMatic]

Three cheers for Senator Gillibrand. The Empire State really knows how to pick them!
I'm pleased with the Senator for coming-out and saying such nice words about the Presidents Supreme Court Nominee.

I hope when the Minnesota Supreme Court renders its Decision on the outcome of that State's Senate Race; Senator Gillibrand will also call for the seating of Senator Elect Al Franken and support the Minnesota Senator as he takes his place in the Senate.

[fran20]

Senator Gillibrand was one of the first supporters of Judge Sotomayor, encouraging President Obama to nominate her early on. Her qualifications are impeccable, and I have confidence that she will be an excellent addition to the court.

[Bladernr1001]

No more qualed than Miguel Estrada.

[glorialovelace]

Things that make Estrada a less desirable appointee:

1. His association with Rudy Giuliani
2. He is not a woman
3. He is considered a conservative

[Diana]

Your comments on Sotomayor are all well and good.

But, more urgently, I would like to know your stand on health care. As a constitutient, I can't seem to get clarification. Your website is vague and your office is not much clearer, except to say that you support the president's plan. Please spend some time communicating with New Yorkers on your idea of what health care reform should look like.

[fran20]

Gillibrand has been an outspoken supporter of Single Payer health care. Since that is not the Obama Administration's plan, she is pushing for a public option.

[Diana]

Really? Where have you seen/read that? Her website is extremely vague on specifics.