CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) – A prominent Democrat - part of a network outside the White House that was consulted for advice on the selection - calls Sotomayor highly competent and qualified, but says she was not considered among the group of "Scalia-type" progressives who could do intellectual battle with the most influential conservative jurists.

She is considered to be a safe political choice - although the source says he "thought [Obama] would ultimately reject that route."

"The ex-constitutional law professor thought [it was] best to concentrate change through the direct application of his will, and legislative process," says the source, referring to Obama. "[Sotomayor] doesn't seem likely to shake things up on the Court, but maybe I'm missing something."

Several others on the left concur, calling the selection fine - and none are using the word disappointed - but clearly many wanted something different.