">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Battle for Supreme Court justice to begin in Congress
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Battle for Supreme Court justice to begin in Congress
AFP - Monday, July 13
WASHINGTON (AFP) - - Judge Sonia Sotomayor's US Supreme Court confirmation battle opens with her first public grilling by the Senate, which is expected to anoint her as the bench's first Hispanic justice.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on the historic nomination opens at 10:00 am (1400 GMT), with lawmakers, Sotomayor, and 31 invited witnesses expected to speak on whether she should win the lifetime appointment.
If confirmed, the 55-year-old appeals court judge would replace retiring Justice David Souter on the nine-member court that is the final arbiter of the US Constitution and often confronts volatile political and social issues, including gun control and abortion.
Over at least four days of hearings, the panel will hear from people like former FBI director Louis Freeh, who mentored Sotomayor, and Linda Chavez, a conservative activist.
President Barack Obama, who nominated Sotomayor for the key post, telephoned her on Sunday to wish her good luck and congratulated her for having met with 89 senators ahead of the hearings.
"The president expressed his confidence that Judge Sotomayor would be confirmed to serve as a justice on the Supreme Court for many years to come," a White House statement said.
Experts say the confirmation fight may be more fizzle than sizzle, noting that the Democrats have, at least on paper, the 60 votes needed to overrun any Republican efforts to use Senate delaying tactics to stymie the nomination.
"I suspect she will be confirmed, but I would hope that it does not turn into a partisan fight for the good of the court," Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said on CBS television.
"She has a track record. She has shown to be a mainstream judge. You don't have to guess what kind of a judge she's going to be."
But Republicans have served notice they plan to put up a fight, giving one of their 14 witness slots to one of the white firefighters whose claim of racial discrimination Sotomayor rejected -- only to have the Supreme Court reverse her ruling in late June.
That could buttress a central Republican argument that Sotomayor cannot be trusted to separate her personal and political beliefs and decide cases based on their legal merit.
Republican Senator Jeff Sessions raised doubts on CBS whether Sotomayor could be objective, saying Supreme Court justices need to "do equal justice to the rich and poor alike."
"She has advocated a view that suggests that your personal experiences, even prejudices... it's expected that they would influence a decision you make. Which is a blow, I think, at the very ideal of American justice."
But Senator Jon Kyl, reported to be leading the Republican strategy for the confirmation hearings, vowed on ABC that Sotomayor would get a fair hearing.
"The strategy is to be as thorough as we can in examining her record, what she has said, and to conduct the hearings in a fair, impartial, and thorough way, and then make our decisions."
Privately Republicans say they worry about hurting the party with Hispanic voters, who went 67 percent to Obama and 31 percent to his Republican rival, Senator John McCain, in November 2008.
Hispanics, the fastest-growing US minority with a major presence in key states such as Florida and battlegrounds like New Mexico and Arizona, have increasingly flexed their national political clout.
A July 1 Rasmussen poll however found that the initial favorable public reaction to Sotomayor appeared to be waning slightly. Thirty-seven percent of respondents believed she should be confirmed and 39 percent were against.
Obama and his allies however have touted Sotomayor's decades-long legal career, past support from hard-line Republicans and her "well qualified" rating from the American Bar Association.
Sotomayor's personal rise from a poor childhood in the Bronx in New York to the pinnacle of US justice mirrors Obama's own storybook ascent to power.
Upon announcing her nomination, the US president declared that Sotomayor could boast a "brilliant legal career" and "the wisdom accumulated from an inspiring life's journey."
The list of Democratic witnesses includes former Major League Baseball pitcher David Cone, sure to highlight a ruling by Sotomayor that ended the 1994-95 Major League Baseball strike.
Princeton-educated Sotomayor, who hails from a Puerto Rican family, would be the second woman currently on the court, alongside Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and would be the 111th justice to serve on the highest US court.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
Fighting kills at least 43 in Somali capitalReuters - Monday, July 13
AP source: Holder considering torture probeAP - Monday, July 13
Hurricane Carlos heading west over the PacificAP - Monday, July 13
AU soldiers help Somali forces as fighting ragesAP - Monday, July 13
Obama urges patience on economic stimulus planAP - Monday, July 13
Enlarge Photo
The US Supreme Court in Washington, DC. Judge Sonia Sotomayor's US Supreme Court confirmation battle opens with her first public grilling by the Senate, which is expected to anoint her as the bench's first Hispanic justice.
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Worst yet to come: White House economic advisor
Pushy French are world's worst tourists: study
Miniskirts, cleavage upset male SKoreans: survey
Jackson 'best father' ever, daughter tells the world
London's Big Ben clocks up 150 years
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Monday, 13 July 2009 Palestinians reject any Israel-U.S. settlement deal
Ten more hurt in Pamplona bull run
Two U.S. soldiers killed, Afghan war heats up
| International
|
NASA: No lightning damage to shuttle, fueling begins
Israeli spy memorial hides more than it reveals
US, Switzerland urge delay to UBS tax secrecy trial
Honduras lifts post-coup curfew, Zelaya vows return
| International
|
Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Four NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan violence
Up to 200 rebels dead in Afghan offensive: govt
Two injured in Pamplona bull run, day after death
| International
|
Ahmadinejad blames Germany for courtroom killing
| International
|
Israel phone firm's West Bank wall gag fails to amuse
| International
|
Endeavour fueled for launch after lightning delay
Palin says she's not leaving politics
Obama phones Sotomayor on eve of hearings
Sotomayor faces friendly jury as hearings begin
Obama says Taliban pushed back in Afghanistan
Democrats slam Cheney bid to hide CIA program
Sessions: Sotomayor must show she can be neutral
Azeri blogger detained, oil major presses case
| Technology
|
Texting Teen Falls Down NYC Manhole; Will Sue City?
Strong earthquake shakes Peru
Israel phone firm's West Bank wall gag fails to amuse
| Technology
|
Two People Questioned In Florida Murder Of Couple Of 12 Adoptive Children
Endeavor (STS-127) Set For Liftoff Sunday Night For 16-Day Mission To ISS
Report: Cheney Told CIA To Stay Quiet About Secret Program
Boston May Close Its Zoos; Euthanize Animals
U.S. Military Mulls Total Tobacco Ban
Space Shuttle Endeavour Prepares For Sunday Evening Launch
Iran Detains Iranian-American Without Disclosing Charges
Smokey Cabin Triggers Evacuation Of British Airways Flight
Obama Starts Sub-Saharan African Tour With Historic Visit To Ghana
'Bruno' sashays to box-office fame with $30.4M
Bruno fashions top spot at U.S. box office
| Entertainment
|
Ambushes kill 2 near Freeport's Indonesian mine
North Korea leader Kim has life-threatening cancer: TV
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
EU nations, Turkey to sign key gas pipeline deal
British PM under pressure over Afghanistan deaths
Endeavour to launch Monday after storm halts launch
Swedish Press To Boycott Britney Spears Show
Japan PM seeks August 30 poll despite grim prospects
| International
|
Nigerian militants claim attack on Lagos oil jetty
Four killed in attacks on Iraq churches
Six in 10 companies plan to skip Windows 7: survey
Al-Qaeda group releases Swiss hostage in Mali
Rio arrests reflect Beijing financial jitters
| International
|
Hindus Urge Angelina Jolie To Take Up Cause Of Roma People
Storm delays Endeavour launch for 24 hours: NASA
LG launches app store, initial focus on Asia
Honduras leader may allow Zelaya amnesty, curfew off
| International
|
Car bomb explodes outside Iraqi church, kills 4
Rights group concerned about fate of Iran missing
Jay-Z Dethrones 50 Cent In Forbes' 2008 Hip-Hop Cash Kings List
Israel phone firm's West Bank wall gag fails to amuse
Geithner committed to strong dollar as reserve currency
Israel phone firm's West Bank wall gag fails to amuse
China says embassy protests show riots organized
| International
|
Lil Wayne Sued For Sleeping During Concert
"So You Think You Can Dance" Michael Jackson Tribute Nixed
Bombs explode outside Baghdad churches, four dead
Pakistan's 2 million displaced start returning home
| International
|
Black Eyed Peas Responds To Plagiarism Allegation
Iran defeated candidate warns of system collapse
| International
|
Darfur peacekeepers still waiting for helicopters
Husband In The Pendragons Arrested For Assaulting Wife
Howard K Stern Wins One Round In Libel Case
French row over burqa ban unveils contradictions
| International
|
Iraq lashed by sandstorms and battling drought
Kate Beckinsale Awarded Libel Damages Over False "Barbarella" Role Article
Liberia's Taylor to take stand in war crimes case
| International
|
Life Magazine To Release Michael Jackson Special Edition
LG launches app store, initial focus on Asia
Reports: Japan's leader to call national elections
3rd body recovered after ambushes at Freeport mine
AP NewsAlert
Suspected rebels kill 2 Indian troops
Japan ends ban on child organ donations
China unveils regulations to curb corruption
Six in 10 companies plan to skip Windows 7: survey
| Technology
|
LG launches app store, initial focus on Asia
| Technology
|
Japan PM to call August 30 election: reports
2 held on murder charges in Fla. couple's slaying
Web site recreates Apollo 11 mission in real time
6 killed in New Delhi metro bridge collapse
Freeport ambushes kill 2; police step up manhunt
SKorea lowers cyberattack alert
Battle for Supreme Court justice to begin in Congress
CIA chief nixed plan to kill Al-Qaeda targets: report
Boat runs aground off Liberty Island; 8 rescued
Jill Biden to have orthopedic surgery
Democrats accuse Cheney of bid to hide CIA program
Jackson: Cemetery investigation should expand
Washington: the hottest living movie studios
NBC hopes viewers appreciate action news series
Madame Carven, petite women's designer, turns 100
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
South Korea's spy agency lowers cyberattack alert
A&E's Jackson family reality show a thriller
Seoul shares extend losses, down 2.5 pct
Son takes over gospel singer Wright's NYC church
China Eastern Airlines to acquire local rival
Maura Tierney illness delays "Parenthood"
Pakistani c.bank sells 11 bln rupees of T-bills
Fad or crisis? Japan's 'marriage hunting' craze
A&E's Jackson family reality show a thriller
| Entertainment
|
Children risk their lives in Gaza's blockade-busting tunnels
South Korea: Conclusion of FTA with EU near
Maura Tierney illness delays Parenthood
| Entertainment
|
Washington: the hottest living movie studios
SKorea's June trade surplus was a record: govt
Taiwan dollar at one-month low on fund outflows
"Bruno" fashions top spot at U.S. box office
Update: NASA Calls Off Shuttle Launch Amid Bad Weather
Japan's top 2 beverage makers considering merger
NZ farmer confidence slides in Q2
South Korea urges banks to support economic growth
Texting Teen Falls Down NYC Manhole; Will Sue City?
Japanese Scientists Study How A Turtle's Shell Develops
Desert Plant Survives By Watering Itself
Camel Climbs Mount Washington
Jennifer Aniston's Dog Doesn't Like When She Makes New Friends
Final Candidates For New 7 Wonders Of Nature To Be Announced On July 21
No Canals, But Probe Finds Snow On Mars Arctic Region
Man Says Girlfriend Poked Him With Sex Toy
Australia Town Bans Bottled Water, Prefers Reusable Bottles
Workers At Historic Cemetery Charged With Unearthing Bodies, Selling Graves
Britain revokes five Israeli arms export licences
Head of Russian diamond giant forced to quit: report
Judge To Dismiss Drug Charges Once Ryan ONeal Completes Program
Pakistan's displaced head home, blast rocks village
| International
|
Obama orders probe of killings in Afghanistan
Bangladesh crackdown on 'kings of genies'
Comic Artie Lange Busted For DUI After Minor Road Accident
Ahmadinejad blames Germany for courtroom murder
Man Dies From Fall Accident At Serbia's Annual Music Festival
Germany charges accused Nazi guard Demjanjuk
| International
|
Israeli minister dismisses Solana's peace ideas
| International
|
Afghan leader Karzai campaigns in Taliban heartland
| International
|
U.S. tells Uzbekistan it wants better ties
| International
|
Beijing warns lawyers off Xinjiang riot cases
Report: CIA had plan to kill al-Qaida
Chinese police shoot dead two Uighurs in Urumqi
Nazi camp guard Demjanjuk to be tried in Germany
Indonesians protest at Chinese embassy
Police: 7 women die in Indonesian restaurant fire
Fla. judge to consider delay in UBS secrecy case
South Korea lowers cyberattack alert
Iowa's biggest city may legalize late-night dance
Death toll at 3 in ambushes near mine in Indonesia
Microsoft takes on Google with free Office programs
| Technology
|
White House: Health, green jobs growing quickly
Thailand reports 3 more swine flu deaths
Obama to address urban policy meeting
Chinese, SKorean envoys meet for NKorea talks
Chicken farmers feel threatened by Oklahoma suit
China's Uighurs hope to gain from world spotlight
NASA to make 5th attempt to launch Endeavour
Ford, Mazda open compact car plant in Thailand
Honda president pushes founder energy, hybrids
Seoul shares post biggest daily pct loss in 4 mths
S.Korea won posts biggest daily pct loss since Mar
China Eastern unveils merger plan
China construction giant set for massive IPO
Meralco says planning broadband via power lines
Freeport mine ambushes kill 3 in Indonesia
India's next outsourcing boom: comedy
Harry Potter director says finale to be best yet
| Entertainment
|
It's a man's, man's world for Aussie music fans
Bruno fashions top spot at U.S. box office
| Entertainment
|
Marriage in UAE: key to national identity
Idol host Ryan Seacrest signs $45 million deal
| Entertainment
|
Youths test religious rights in Macedonia
Screens replace greens for South Korean golfers
Australia's 'Big Things' go from kitsch to art
Austrians say outrageous Bruno ist pretty funny
| Entertainment
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights