Thanks to our colleague Marieli Colon-Padilla in DC for the following contribution:
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Almost three weeks after the history-making hearings on Judge Sotomayor’s qualifications, the Senate committee today approved the nomination (13-6) and cleared the way for the full Senate to decide if this “wise” Latina is a good fit for the highest rungs of the law in the country.
Recently, millions of Americans heard directly from Judge Sotomayor about her outstanding qualifications, judiciary experience, and inspirational life story. Confirmed or not, Judge Sotomayor already has a deserving place in the country’s books as the first Latina woman nominated to the post. Before her, only two women have been confirmed to the Supreme Court. 
While the remark about “wise Latina” reverberated across the nation, it also brought forth important notions as to what constitutes the character, filter, criteria and compassion that we expect from members of this most important office. One undisputable truth—as the country continues to become increasingly diverse, we can only benefit from a judicial system that represents it.
For all that she has already done to demonstrate that any child has the opportunity to excel and become a leader, showing a snapshot of the plight of millions of Latino families who search for a better life for their kids, and showing that passion, commitment, dedication and service go a long way, we commend Sonia Sotomayor and are proud of what her achievements represent for women and minorities in the country.
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