While Senate Debates Sotomayor Nomination, Hundreds of Supporters Rally on Capitol Hill

A spirited rally was held today on Capitol Hill in support of Judge Sotomayor’s confirmation to the Supreme Court. Senators Cardin, Schumer, Whitehouse, and Menendez and leaders of several civil rights organizations spoke to the crowd about this historic nominee and her impending confirmation.

Senator Whitehouse praised Sotomayor’s credentials and stated that “She is unfairly trapped in a struggle by the Republicans to gain conservative control over America’s judiciary. We not only have to get her confirmed on her own merits, but keep blowing the whistle on that Republican effort.”

“Hundreds of federal judges and several more Supreme Court justices will be appointed during President Obama’s administration,” said AFJ President Nan Aron. We must take this opportunity to start the conversation we have long been denied about the need for strong and progressive voices on the court. We must rise above the empty rhetoric of the right – judicial activism, legislating from the bench. Sotomayor’s confirmation will start that process. We must keep up the pressure to appoint judges who will uphold the Constitution’s promise of equal justice for all.”

While it is certain that Judge Sotomayor will be confirmed, likely by tomorrow, one of the clearest messages from this nomination process is that there is an opportunity knocking at the White House door.