Sen. Tim Johnson's statement on confirmation of Judge Sotomayor

WASHINGTON, DC – Following his vote today to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court, U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) has released the following statement. Judge Sotomayor was confirmed with a bipartisan vote of 68 to 31.

This is the third time that I have cast a vote in regards to a Supreme Court Justice. The previous two times were for Chief Justice Roberts and Associate Justice Alito. Both of these Justices were appointed by former President George W. Bush. I voted in favor of these nominees even though their ideologies often differ from my own. They are both qualified members of the Judiciary and while our philosophies may differ, they both are within the broad mainstream of contemporary jurisprudence.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor is also within this mainstream. Her career as a jurist is a model of integrity and discipline. Her judicial philosophy is rooted in precedent and a devotion to the law. Judge Sotomayor has consistently pledged during the confirmation process her commitment to the law. She has stated that it is her duty to interpret the law and not to enact law. She has many years of service and experience as a prosecutor and litigator; District Court Judge and Circuit Court Judge. She has twice received bipartisan support from this body - the second time with my support. She has received the highest rating from the American Bar Association. It is clear that she has an accomplished résumé.

Earlier this summer, I met with Judge Sotomayor to form my own opinions on her judicial theory. While our conversation centered on a variety of interests, it was clear that Judge Sotomayor distinguished herself as an able jurist who relied on precedent. I reviewed her record and did not find anything that would deter me from that belief. The same can be said of her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee during her confirmation hearings. She has said that she does not inject personal bias in her decision making process and I trust her at her word.

Often, I think that this process has become over-politicized. Judge Sotomayor is highly qualified and able to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Opposition for opposition’s sake is not constructive to our national dialogue. Most Americans do not sit on the ends of the political spectrum but within the middle. I believe that Judge Sotomayor is within that middle ground. I support Judge Sotomayor to be Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

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