Republicans Stick to Similar Talking Point

By Seth Stern | May 26, 2009 6:07 PM | | Comments (0)

Senate Republicans stayed strictly on message Tuesday in their comments about President Obama's selection of Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court. As these quotes from senators suggest, no Republican wants a judge who applies their own personal preferences.

Jeff Sessions of Alabama: "Of primary importance, we must determine if Ms. Sotomayor understands that the proper role of a judge is to act as a neutral umpire of the law, calling balls and strikes fairly without regard to one's own personal preferences or political views."

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky: "But we will thoroughly examine her record to ensure she understands that the role of a jurist in our democracy is to apply the law even-handedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences."

Charles E. Grassley of Iowa: "The Judiciary Committee should take time to ensure that the nominee will be true to the Constitution and apply the law, not personal politics, feelings or preferences."

Orrin G. Hatch of Utah: "Judges must decide cases based on the law, not on their personal views or opinions."

Tom Coburn of Oklahoma: "The American people need judges who will interpret the Constitution, not rewrite it based on ideology or personal opinion."

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Categories: Supreme Court

Tags: Coburn, Grassley, Hatch, McConnell, Sessions, Sotomayor

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