Dear Friend:Thank you for contacting me regarding the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to theUnited State Supreme Court. I welcome your thoughts and comments.As a member of the U.S. Senate, I have been privileged to participate in the confirmationof four Supreme Court Justices, including that of Chief Justice John Roberts. TheConstitution requires the Senate to “advise” the President on who will best uphold ourConstitution in the nation’s highest court and to provide “consent” to the candidates whotake the bench. Senators have a constitutional responsibility to carefully consider eachnomination. This is a duty that I take seriously.There are some facts we already know about Judge Sotomayor. Through personaltenacity and hard work, Judge Sotomayor overcame many challenges to study at some of the nation’s finest institutions, and embarked on a successful career as a district attorney,private practice attorney, and finally a federal judge. Her life story is a shining exampleof equal opportunity for Americans, and it reminds all of us that for those who work hard,no obstacle is insurmountable and no aspiration is too grand.While there is no question that Judge Sotomayor brings a wealth of judicial experience tothis process, we would be doing the American public and Judge Sotomayor a disservice if we did not conduct a thorough review of her record. This year, Senators will pore overthousands of documents and analyze more than 3,000 decisions that comprise theexperience of Judge Sotomayor. I will be looking for evidence of impartiality as well aslegal expertise, a demonstrated commitment to the rule of law, insights into her personalintegrity and temperament, and, most importantly, her judicial philosophy.As I review Judge Sotomayor’s record, one of the issues I will consider is herdemonstrated stance on the Second Amendment. I am a staunch supporter of the right tokeep and bear arms, and I firmly believe that the framers intended this right for theindividual. This opinion was upheld by the Supreme Court last year in the case of
District of Columbia v. Heller
. Judge Sotomayor joined an opinion earlier this year thatsuggested that the Second Amendment is not a fundamental right, and is therefore notbinding on the states. I hope to learn more from the judge about her Second Amendmentbeliefs during her confirmation hearings. With this issue potentially coming before theSupreme Court, it is critically important we confirm a Justice who believes the SecondAmendment is a fundamental individual right so that no state or city, nor the federalgovernment, may ever infringe on this liberty.As the Senate examines Sonia Sotomayor’s record – and gives her ample opportunity toaddress our concerns – I expect a respectful, dignified, and above all, fair process thatbefits our Constitutional responsibility. I appreciate hearing from you, and I hope thatyou will not hesitate to keep in touch on any issue that is important to you.Sincerely,Kay Bailey Hutchison
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