Opinion: Sotomayor hearings: Bill Clinton’s letter of support

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The Judiciary Committee has released a letter written by former President Clinton, dated July 14, in support of Sonia Sotomayor. Clinton named Sotomayor to the federal appeals court in 1997, after she was appointed to the federal District Court in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush.

After Clinton nominated Sotomayor, her confirmation was delayed by Republicans for months. Why? They were concerned even then that she could end up one day on the Supreme Court.

Part of the letter reads as follows:

I had the privilege to name Judge Sotomayor to a a position in the Federal Judiciary. On that occasion, she was a trailblazer as the first Latina nominated to a U.S. Circuit Court.

As the first Hispanic nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Sotomayor once again breaks new ground. If confirmed, Justice Sotomayor will be the second jurist in history nominated to three judgeships by three different Presidents. I am very proud of our nation at this auspicious moment.

-- James Oliphant

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