LOS ANGELES – The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) today expressed its strong support for the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to serve as an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. This endorsement follows a thorough review of the Judge’s qualifications by the NALEO Board, conducted in accordance with the Board’s principles governing the assessment of federal judiciary nominees.
According to NALEO Board President Mary Herrera, “Judge Sotomayor is an exceptionally accomplished jurist who has demonstrated a deep commitment to equal justice for all Americans. She has excelled as a prosecutor, a corporate litigator, a federal trial judge, and an appellate judge on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Sotomayor has more experience in the federal judiciary than any other person nominated to the United States Supreme Court in a hundred years.”
The NALEO Board assessment of federal judiciary nominees involves a comprehensive evaluation of nominees’ professional qualifications and accomplishments, and their opinions and rulings that affect equal access to civic and economic opportunities. The assessment also includes a review of the nominees’ record of service to the legal profession, the judiciary, and the public.
“During her distinguished career,” stated NALEO Executive Director Arturo Vargas, “Judge Sotomayor has combined a profound respect for the rule of law with careful and thoughtful analysis of the law’s impact on the day-to-day realities of our diverse nation. Through her extensive public service efforts, she has promoted equal opportunity in employment and housing, and expanded access to the electoral process.”
Board President Herrera stated, “Judge Sotomayor’s career exemplifies the wealth of talent and deep commitment to public service that Latinos bring to every level of elected and appointed leadership in the nation. Her service on the Supreme Court will greatly enrich the administration of justice in our country.”
Executive Director Arturo Vargas concluded, “We commend President Obama for his historic nomination of the first Latina and the third woman to the Supreme Court in America’s history. In September, the Court will start to confer and select cases to be heard in its upcoming term.
We urge the U.S. Senate to confirm Judge Sotomayor before the August Congressional recess so
that she can take part in this important process and be seated on the first Monday of October, when the Court publicly convenes.”
.jpg)
