More Reaction on Sotomayor: 'Why Would They Oppose Her?'

Reaction to the president's choice of Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court is rolling in. so far, Democrats are strongly supportive, while Republicans, especially those who will be involved in her nomination process, are withholding official judgment.

The most recently added are up top:

Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) via Twitter:

"Applauds the nomination of Judge Sotomayor. If confirmed she would bring an excellent record to the court, as well as needed diversity.

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) via Twitter:

"It's a terrific pick. Like her background as a courtroom prosecutor & trial judge....Originally she was appointed by Pres Bush(41), and is brilliant. Valedictorian in highschool, Princeton on scholarship, Yale Law Review."

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) from a press conference earlier today:

"It's a test for the Republican Party because she is a mainstream justice. She has a great, complelling life story. She has has the highest, highest grades in both college, law school, in law practices and on the bench. Why would they oppose her? Why would they oppose her? There's no really good reason."

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee:

"Her record is exemplary. Judge Sotomayor's nomination is an historic one, and when confirmed she will become the first Hispanic Justice, and just the third woman to sit on the nation's highest court....

"Now more than ever, while the country is in the throes of an economic recession, and fighting to strengthen our economic and national security, the American people deserve leadership and civility from those they send to Washington. This is an opportunity for this Senate to further the spirit of bipartisanship that Americans want by guiding the nation in installing impartial, fair-minded Justices to the Supreme Court who will apply our laws and not their ideology." Leahy's full statement is HERE.

Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee:

"I congratulate Ms. Sotomayor on her nomination.

"The Senate Judiciary Committee's role is to act on behalf of the American people to carefully scrutinize Ms. Sotomayor's qualifications, experience, and record. We will engage in a fair and thorough examination of Ms. Sotomayor's previous judicial opinions, speeches, and academic writings to determine if she has demonstrated the characteristics that great judges share: integrity, impartiality, legal expertise, and a deep and unwavering respect for the rule of law.

"Of primary importance, we must determine if Ms. Sotomayor understands that the proper role of a judge is to act as a neutral umpire of the law, calling balls and strikes fairly without regard to one's own personal preferences or political views." Sessions' full statement is HERE.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV):

"As Majority Leader, I will do all I can to ensure Judge Sonia Sotomayor receives a fair and respectful hearing and the Senate's quick confirmation.

"I commend the President for selecting such an accomplished, qualified and experienced nominee to replace Justice Souter on the Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor has had wide-ranging experience not only in the legal world, but in the real world as well, which has helped to ensure that her understanding of the law is grounded not only in theory, but also in practice."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY):

"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 even-handedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences.

"Our Democratic colleagues have often remarked that the Senate is not a 'rubber stamp.' Accordingly, we trust they will ensure there is adequate time to prepare for this nomination, and a full and fair opportunity to question the nominee and debate her qualifications."

RNC Chairman Michael Steele:

"Republicans look forward to learning more about federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor's thoughts on the importance of the Supreme Court's fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. Supreme Court vacancies are rare, which makes Sonia Sotomayor's nomination a perfect opportunity for America to have a thoughtful discussion about the role of the Supreme Court in our daily lives. Republicans will reserve judgment on Sonia Sotomayor until there has been a thorough and thoughtful examination of her legal views."

Ellen Malcolm, President of EMILY'S LIST:

"I strongly commend President Obama's nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court of the United States . If confirmed by the Senate, Judge Sotomayor would make history as the first Hispanic, as well as the third woman to ever sit on the court. Judge Sotomayor will help add balance to the court and her unique perspective will help ensure that women's rights are protected and that their experiences continue to play a role in the highest court in the land. With her nomination the court is one step closer to reflecting the diversity that makes our country so great."