May 27, 2009
Posted: May 27th, 2009 04:46 PM ET

From
Jennifer Brunner is running for Senate in Ohio, but faces a tough primary contest against Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher.
Jennifer Brunner is running for Senate in Ohio, but faces a tough primary contest against Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher.

(CNN) – With President Obama's nomination of federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor to sit on the Supreme Court, both Democrats and Republicans see an opportunity to rally their respective bases.

Now, two Democrats running for Ohio's open U.S. Senate seat in 2010 are seizing on the chance to score points with liberals and party activists - the kind of people who vote in Democratic primaries - by pledging to "to help lead the fight for the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor."

Ohio Senate candidate Jennifer Brunner, seeking an edge in what's expected to be tough primary contest against Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, sent an e-mail to supporters on Wednesday asking them to thank President Obama for nominating Sotomayor and commit themselves to help her confirmation succeed.

Brunner, Ohio's Secretary of State, notes that like Sotomayor, she is also "a Democrat, a woman, a former judge myself, and most of all, an American."

Her e-mail follows a Tuesday note from Fisher, who praised the Sotomayor selection as "a proud moment for our country" and asked his backers to sign a message "in support of an orderly and civil confirmation process for Judge Sotomayor."

Both candidates' e-mails link to campaign Web pages that solicit donations and e-mail addresses, which will likely be used to refine their lists of voters to contact as next year's primary approaches.

STORY UPDATED at 5:55 PM EST to include Fisher's e-mail.

Filed under: Jennifer Brunner • Lee Fisher • Ohio • Sonia Sotomayor • Supreme Court


Yossi Gestetner   May 27th, 2009 10:00 pm ET

Considering that the GOP has so little Senate seats, they should just let this one go cuz it can't be stopped...

Move along, as they say.

Terry   May 27th, 2009 9:58 pm ET

For those who imagine that marriage was invented in the Bible, you are admitting that you have never read it. Ancient cultures in Egypt, India, and China that pre-dated Jewish history for thousands of years had the custom of marriage. In the Old Testament, romantic love is not mentioned at all. Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, and others had more than one wife, yet the anonymous authors of the Bible did not criticize them for polygamy. Solomon, who had an enviable 700 wives and 300 concubines is presented in the Bible as the wisest of all men. The prophet Nathan tells us that if David's many wives had been insufficient for him, God would have provided more.

In the New Testament, romantic love is condemned. Paul recommends that marriage be avoided and that husbands and wives live chastely together and refrain from having children. The New Testament has kind words for children, but no kind words for any method of producing them.

Sarah Smith   May 27th, 2009 9:21 pm ET

HYPOCRISY always manages to raise it's adorable little head

we don't need supreme court justices of highest calibre

just only be they politically STRATEGIC

(CLARENCE was politically strategic! with libido too)

I supported Obama as the BEST candidate and

the MOST CAPABLE..

why didn't he pick a SUPREMELY INTELLIGENT

SUPREME COURT NOMINEE?

soon enough,

Big Bird will be able to interpret the CONSTITUTION

German,Irish American   May 27th, 2009 9:03 pm ET

Where was all the liberal and media love for Alberto Gonzolas, who rose from far worse conditions than Sotomayor, while Democrats were trashing him daily? How about Judge Alito? How about the DEMOCRATS filibustering the Bush nomination of Miguel Estrada for the Circuit Court of Appeals, the first and ONLY time a fillibuster was ever used to block a nomination at this level. From Wikipedia- Democratic internal memos to Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin mention special interest groups' desire to keep Estrada off the court because his Latino heritage made him "especially dangerous" as a potential supreme court nominee. The hypocrispy of the left, and the refusal of the MSM to report the facts about Obama and the Democrats agenda, is totally disgusting.

LindafromFlorida   May 27th, 2009 8:57 pm ET

Hey Matt, if you are so informed and smart...why dont you know her qualifications???? I do...but then Im just a dumb democrat and not a hypocritical repub....You sure represent the republ party...you like them have their mouth in motion before they know the facts. And boy...all this tells me about the repub party is that they are prejiduce...good god a woman should get the job..and a minority...omg...how can this happen??? You just let America know what the repub party is all about...narrow minded and prejiduced against everyone that doesnt think like them.

Dan, TX   May 27th, 2009 8:53 pm ET

Who cares. I hope Republicans will keep this senate seat in Ohio.

JERRY   May 27th, 2009 8:52 pm ET

Why is CNN and the Republicans taking Sotomayor's comments out of context ?
CNN should know that to report on only a part of a statement is not the whole truth of that statement.
Alido made similar comments earlier and it seemed alright at the time,
But now that a Mexican female jurist makes similar statements it is somehow controversial and racist.
One would hope that CNN might checks its facts more carefully than simply mirroring the Republicans self-serving rants.
This is a high school tirad on the most basic level.

LindafromFlorida   May 27th, 2009 8:51 pm ET

Just wanted to tell CNN...why dont you do more accurate reporting like quoting Sotomayor...or rather only quoting the first part and not the second...considering it takes on a whole different meaning when the quote is done correctly...glad I watch MSNBC...least I get the whole facts there. Do your dang job. Geeeeeze........

GuyInVA   May 27th, 2009 8:16 pm ET

Dems are American Al Qaeda @ 5:17 PM,

Yes, she is the one involved in election day shenanigans. She was an early victory in the democratic party's "Secretary of State Project." Along with her was was the SoS from Minnesota (remember, the state of Ventura and Franken). This project adheres to the Stalinist (surprise, surprise) ideology of "it doesn't matter who casts the votes... it's who counts the votes that matters" (or something to that effect). It is partially funded by ACORN.

Ann   May 27th, 2009 7:50 pm ET

phoenix86 – The political & economic problems which you reference were created by your President Bush. I love how the republicans think that less regulation is needed when it comes to businesses (that has done wonders for economy right now), but OK to tell people who they can'can't marry, what a woman can/can't do with her body, and when a person can/can't die.

fred   May 27th, 2009 7:44 pm ET

To Lisa in Ct.

I love how you used the word "tolerance." That's the liberal term that means that "No matter what people do, nothing should be punished and we should just accept whatever people want to do as being fine."

Secondly, reverse racism is different than "the opposite of racism." I don't think I need to explain any more. Liberals are too dumb to learn anyways.

Michele   May 27th, 2009 7:23 pm ET

vette, Yeah I am so impressed with the NRA loonies scaring their 'hunters' into stockpiling weapons. My God, do none of you care that men are killing their families because of the fear being perpetuated by the NRA, Glenn Beck, and Hannity? If there were ever a reason to enforce existing gun laws, the time is now. The 2nd amendment does not give you the right to buy assault rifles. If you'd read it, it gave communities the right to have a militia, you know, police, who were armed. I hope someone DOES take a look at the 2nd amendment before we turn into a war zone. But gee, the Republicans would all be safe behind their firearms...and we know they care little for anyone else's rights. Just the right of a Republican to do whatever he pleases and the heck with the rest of us. I still can't quite figure out how they can march for the unborn, but not blink at torture, the killing of innocents in Iraq, and the death penalty. Guess only babies are important to their God.

Peter (CA)   May 27th, 2009 7:05 pm ET

matt@ 5:15

let's see...she was a district court judge and is now a judge on the court of appeals...pretty typical qualifications for a judge moving up to the Supreme Court

Why is she any different than anyone who has been elevated over the last 8 years or by Bush I?

Window dressing? Wow, you right wingers seriously need to get a grip. If I remember correctly, Bush I compared Clarence Thomas to Thurgood Marshall. Yeah, we're the window dressers.

Tatianna   May 27th, 2009 7:00 pm ET

For the past eight years dems has called President Bush Hitler. Now they are calling reps the American Taliban. Yet, Obama promised to change the tone, doesnt this give the opposition control over whether he keeps his promise, and therefore an incentive to be disagreeable? It is politically unfortunate, given that dems has been trying to demobilize the opposition and are so ready to demonize those who disagree with them. Dems scapegoating is an exact prescription for whipping up mobs-by race, gender, by ethnicity, by religion. A really effective manipulation and political manuver.

Pete   May 27th, 2009 6:57 pm ET

Vette66

Why is it that when conservatives are out of power, they make veiled threats of violence towards people they politically disagree with.

When you start your post with a statement about needing to buy guns and conclude with "have a great day while you can", a reasonable person might conclude that you are making threats.

I guess that jerkwad who shot at children in a Unitarian Church in Knoxville because he "wanted to kill liberals" is your personal hero, eh what Vette?

Cynthia - Arkansas   May 27th, 2009 6:52 pm ET

What is wrong with you people? All I see are a bunch of ignorant rants. Who is paying you people to get on here and spew ridiculous Republican talking points. Go over to FOX, you're more than welcome there. Facts don't matter there.

Denise   May 27th, 2009 6:40 pm ET

The GOP have a base?

Mari( maybe one of my comments will be posted)   May 27th, 2009 6:37 pm ET

@ MATT............. I answered your question about Sotomayor....... but CNN wont post my answers to you.

Perhaps MATT you need to do your own research on the judge, starting with the FACT that in 1992 when GEORGE HW BUSH nominated her to the Appellate Court, she was CONFIRMED by the GOP Congress without ......... opposition!

Mari( maybe one of my comments will be posted)   May 27th, 2009 6:35 pm ET

To CNN......... Its getting so annoying to have my comments deleted and not posted.

Obviously, CNN is becoming the next.......... Faux News.

annie for Palin   May 27th, 2009 6:30 pm ET

How can this woman call herself an American when she helped the cheating on the votes during the presidential campaign?

Republicans are the American Taliban   May 27th, 2009 6:12 pm ET

When the law is against you...you argue the facts.

When the facts are against you...you argue the law.

When the law and facts are against you...you attack the integrity of your accuser ...

FORMER republican, NEVER again!   May 27th, 2009 6:09 pm ET

phoenix86 – I've read your nonsensical posts for a while now and am still amazed that dribble gets posted. Atleast 'Republicans are the American Taliban' bases his on facts and not lush limpaugh talking points like you do.

Dawn   May 27th, 2009 6:08 pm ET

Democrats are racist, think who voted for Obama. I am white and I try to understand how they feel... Oh I am part Cherokee...

Ohioboy   May 27th, 2009 6:07 pm ET

Jennifer Brunner is the worst kind of patronizing political hack to hit the campaign trail in a long time. It is politicians like her that will provide the GOP an opening to breath life into its stiff corpse. She makes Nancy Pelosi look articulate and genuine. Yes, she was involved in all kinds of partisan political games during the last presidential election, as was her Republican predecessor during W's last campaign. Her legal argument, which was supported by the courts, was that she was required by law to compare new registrations with the last known addresses or other infromation, but wasn't then required to do anything when it was discovered that there were discrepencies. She also accepted registrations of people who had park benches as their address. She's great!!

DaBird   May 27th, 2009 6:06 pm ET

Soto's idol at Yale was head of the Socialist Party. Welcome to Obamaconomics.

Willy Brown   May 27th, 2009 6:03 pm ET

This was a race baited pick by the democrats.

AK   May 27th, 2009 5:59 pm ET

Where is the Republican brain?

Kyle   May 27th, 2009 5:51 pm ET

Dear Dems,
You're racist. No racist justice should be allowed to become U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Sotomayor must withdraw her nomination now.

phoenix86   May 27th, 2009 5:47 pm ET

Dear "Republicans are the American Taliban";

Please get educated about basic political and economic issues of the day. Your tired hypocritical rantings show more of your ignorance than any arguement you think you are making.

No Hope   May 27th, 2009 5:45 pm ET

lookie, another crook riding coattails

Democrats are American Al Quaeda.   May 27th, 2009 5:41 pm ET

Jennifer Brunner, just another liberal crook in office.

Alicia   May 27th, 2009 5:39 pm ET

Brunner is no Sotomayor!

Republicans are the American Taliban   May 27th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

New Yorker May 27th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

FYI...marriage didn't originate in the Bible. The bible is a collection of stories written hundreds of years after the events they are addressing and edited by the Catholic Church to comply with their agenda. That's like saying bank robberies originate in the newspaper.

The Broker.   May 27th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

Kwua Tayari?????

Buffalo Bill   May 27th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

Well all I need to know about Sonia is that she is a "Woman of color", and therefore she has my support!

Just wondering....would a Caucasian woman in Puerto Rico, or Kenya, or Vietnam, or Yemen, or Pakistan, be considered a "Woman of color'? How does that work?

Big Bill   May 27th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

The Republicans should pull out all of the stops in trashing her. No blow should be too low. Get into the gutter. Show your true colors.

James C of Savannah, Ga   May 27th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

Man I love liberal white folks, as a black man I realize that white man's rule over this country is coming to an end, and they are dumb enough to support it

The Broker.   May 27th, 2009 5:31 pm ET

And I'm faster than Bill Curtis: Who's he? Capitalise on Capital Hill?

The Fall of the House of Husher's.. Will make the Biggest Bang ever! for Borack Obama.

Simmy   May 27th, 2009 5:30 pm ET

Go ahead and inject her name....Why not? It certainly won't hurt.....Hope it works.....Huckabee uses Michael Steele's name to try and score against Democrats.......Judge Sotomayor's name carries a lot of weight and prestige...It stands for something genuine.....

Democrats are American Al Quaeda.   May 27th, 2009 5:29 pm ET

I know people who have been in their jobs for 30 years, but they still suck at their job. I now know of one more.

Lisa in Shelton CT   May 27th, 2009 5:24 pm ET

No the window dressing lacking credentials was that freaky Harriet Miers.

Republicans are the American Taliban   May 27th, 2009 5:23 pm ET

Matt May 27th, 2009 5:15 pm ET

Can any of you liberals explain what her qualifications are besides race and gender? Why are you so incapable of judging a person based on merits and accomplishments?

OK Matt...give us some facts...her qualifications are public record ..lets hear your arguement...

Lisa in Shelton CT   May 27th, 2009 5:22 pm ET

I'm disgusted by the folks talking about how Sotomayor will now use reverse racism – the comment being used to scare the white people. C'mon people, wouldn't the reverse of racism be using broad-mindedness, fairness, open-mindedness, and tolerance? Would these not be good qualities for a Supreme Court Justice or senator? I don't understand how, but I've clearly seen that the GOP is indeed against tolerance.

GO get 'em, Sotomayor and Jenn Brunner too!

David   May 27th, 2009 5:21 pm ET

Lee Fisher actually sent out an email praising Sotomayor's nomination first, I got it yesterday.

New Yorker   May 27th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

This was for a different topic but it was moderated out; just hought I'd try again.
Our laws came from Biblical teaching. Even marriage originated from the bible. It seems that some would think our laws should come from hell; I suppose we are turning in that direction. If you want to stray from Biblical teaching then why not go as far as some would like – perhaps marriage between a man and animal or whatever despicable fantasy man can come up with? Why not? Shouldn't we all have the right to choose? Some people think cold -blooded murder is alright. How about that? Who are you to tell them it's wrong? The Good Book was given to us to protect us from our own evil desires; the problem is, too many people just can't grasp that. Surprise me CNN and post this one, please.

Democrats are American Al Quaeda.   May 27th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

Wasn't Brunner the one doing underhanded election sheanigans in Ohio? She should be cleaning up her house.

I don't remember the liberals saying that they Democrats should call off the dogs against Clarence Thomas or the hispanic judges Bush nominated.

Tulsa   May 27th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

Gymo, you might be on to something.

Matt   May 27th, 2009 5:15 pm ET

Can any of you liberals explain what her qualifications are besides race and gender? Why are you so incapable of judging a person based on merits and accomplishments?

Why is it all about the window dressing with liberals?

Gymo   May 27th, 2009 5:05 pm ET

I think the GOP needs to fight hard and and block her nomination.
Democrats on the other hand should force the Republicans to stand in the Senate and fillibuster for days, so the Hispanic voting block will see Republicans in action.

I have been asking myself this question for awhile: Is Rush Limbaugh and Hannity and the other rightwing loonytunes working for Obama? because they are doing a good job helping Obama destroy the GOP.

vette66   May 27th, 2009 5:04 pm ET

Looks like the gun buying will pick up some more speed. The socialist will get rid of the 2 amendment one way or another. That way only the Chicago mob and the gangs will have the guns.
Guess you lefties got your hope for change government in place.
Have a great day while you can.

Republicans are the American Taliban   May 27th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

The Republicans call on a judicial nominee to be impartial, to follow the law and avoid creating policy through interpretation of the law and following ones own agenda. Yet, they as Republicans, refuse to be impartial, refuse to avoid party politics and agenda, and follow the dictates of an unAmerican shock jock Rush " Tokyo Rose " Limbaugh. Hipocrisy in it's most fundamental form. Next, they will publish comments she made in other peoples yearbooks in high school as examples of her supposed bias. Next election people we can stop all of this.....

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