Day Four of the Sotomayor Confirmation Hearing

And so Day Four of the Sonia Sotomayor hearings begin. Once again, the judge faces the Senate Judiciary Committee starting at 9:30. The second round of questions began yesterday, ending with Senator Cardin (D-MD). The round continues this morning; six more senators still have their 20 minutes of follow-up, though Chairman Leahy (D-VT) has not been shy about urging everyone not to feel obliged to take the full 20. Barring any surprises, Judge Sotomayor will be done with testifying and then the witnesses will begin. All eyes are on Frank Ricci, of Ricci v. DeStefano fame. He is not the only witness appearing, however. Members of the American Bar Association, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, even former professional baseball player David Cone are slated to appear. (A full list can be found here.) There are seven panels, with up to eight people on a panel, so if you want to put your money on the hearings not officially wrapping until tomorrow, it wouldn't be a bad bet.