Obama reveals Supreme Court nomination

Posted to Politics Watch by Will Guldin at 11:12 a.m., May 26, 2009

President Obama announced his nomination for the Supreme Court of the United States today during a morning news conference. A White House press release stated Obama has chosen Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee to fill the position vacated by retiring Justice David Souter.

Sotomayor, 54, has served 11 years on the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and if confirmed she would be the first Hispanic to serve on the Supreme Court.

In a transcript The Maneater received from the White House, Obama said Sotomayor is a qualified addition to the court.

"Over a distinguished career that spans three decades, Judge Sotomayor has worked at almost every level of our judicial system, providing her with a depth of experience and a breadth of perspective that will be invaluable as a Supreme Court justice," Obama said.

While Republicans are expected to resist the nomination, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said the GOP would have to closely examine her legal views before taking any action.

"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," Steele said in a press release. "Republicans will reserve judgment on Sonia Sotomayor until there has been a thorough and thoughtful examination of her legal views."