The Tolbert Report

As we examine the record of newly nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor, an important question is what will our Arkansas Senators do.  Both offices put out press releases that may offer some clues.

Sen. Blanche Lincoln, up for re-election next year, speaks rather glowing regarding Sotomayor. “Judge Sotomayor has an inspiring story of success in the face of hardship,” says Lincoln.  “Arkansans can appreciate the fact that she has been no stranger to hard work, and her academic and professional record speaks for itself.  She has been nominated by both Democratic and Republican Presidents and has been confirmed twice by the Senate with strong, bipartisan support under both Democratic and Republican majorities.”  She concludes by saying that she looks “forward to carefully reviewing the qualifications of Judge Sotomayor as her confirmation process moves forward.”

Sen. Mark Pryor offered similar praise saying, “Judge Sotomayor has impeccable credentials and an extraordinary American story.”  However, he was quick to point out that it is “critically important that she possess the proper judicial temperament and the ability to be fair and impartial. I believe this criterion is essential; activist judges have no place on the highest court of the land.”  (Perhaps he should watch this.)  Pryor concludes by saying “I believe Judge Sotomayor’s confirmation hearing should be rigorous, but fair.”

Both stop short of offering their full support to Judge Sotomayor but it seems to me that Sen. Pryor’s statement tends to offer a tough line than Sen. Lincoln’s statement.  There is little doubt that Arkansans will be closely watching how this two self-professed blue dog Democrats vote on this nominee from the far left.