Sotomayor nomination is met with cheer and caution

Reaction from Congress and various activist groups to President Obama’s nomination of veteran Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court:

“Senate Republicans will treat Judge Sotomayor fairly. 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 evenhandedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences.”

-- Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)

“This is an historic choice, and much more. Judge Sotomayor meets three very important standards in filling this Supreme Court vacancy: excellence, moderation and diversity.”

-- Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.)

“With eight men, one woman and no Hispanics currently sitting on the court, President Obama listened to voices like former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in recognizing that diversity on the bench is essential.”

-- Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)

“She has an extremely high rate of her decisions being reversed, indicating that she is far more of a liberal activist than even the current liberal activist Supreme Court.”

Wendy Long, counsel to the conservative Judicial Confirmation Network

“The Supreme Court should reflect the diverse population of the U.S. to ensure the highest court understands the unique circumstances of all Americans.”

-- Brent A. Wilkes, national executive director of the League of United Latin American Citizens