Obama makes high court pick
Güncelleme Tarihi:
The Associated Press
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mayıs 27, 2009 00:00
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama reportedly nominated federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court yesterday, making her the first Hispanic in history picked to wear the robes of a justice.
If confirmed by the Senate, Sotomayor, 54, would succeed retiring Justice David Souter. Two senior U.S. officials described Obama's decision on condition of anonymity because no formal announcement had been made.
Obama was expected to announce his choice for the post, as Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review went to press yesterday. Sotomayor would be unlikely to change the ideological balance of the court since she would replace Souter, one of the more liberal members. The powerful court shifted to the right during George W. Bush's presidency. But she would inject relative youth into the court's aging liberal wing. Justices serve until they retire or die, giving presidents an opportunity to influence policy long after their terms end.
Administration officials said Sotomayor would bring more judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any justice confirmed in the past 70 years. Obama had said publicly he wanted a justice who combined intellect and empathy - the ability to understand the troubles of everyday Americans.
Obama was expected to announce his choice for the post, as Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review went to press yesterday. Sotomayor would be unlikely to change the ideological balance of the court since she would replace Souter, one of the more liberal members. The powerful court shifted to the right during George W. Bush's presidency. But she would inject relative youth into the court's aging liberal wing. Justices serve until they retire or die, giving presidents an opportunity to influence policy long after their terms end.
Administration officials said Sotomayor would bring more judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any justice confirmed in the past 70 years. Obama had said publicly he wanted a justice who combined intellect and empathy - the ability to understand the troubles of everyday Americans.