(CNN) – GOP Sens. Olympia Snowe of Maine and Mel Martinez of Florida Friday both publicly announced their support for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, bringing the tally of Republican senators supporting Obama's pick to three.
"Judge Sotomayor is knowledgeable of the law, would be a fair and impartial judge, and seems to have a good understanding of the limited role the judiciary plays in our democracy," Martinez said in a statement.
Martinez, who was born in Cuba, also praised the historic nature of Sotomayor's nomination.
"As an Hispanic American, I take great pride in Judge Sotomayor's historic achievement. Given her qualifications and testimony this week, I intend to vote in favor of her confirmation."
Snowe said in a statement she was impressed with Sotomayor's performance at the hearings. "She appears neither rigid nor dogmatic in her approach to the essential task of constitutional interpretation," Snowe said.
Earlier Friday, Indiana Republican Dick Lugar also announced his support of Sotomayor.
From CNN Politics
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Olympia Snowe is probably the best republican senator we have and I applaud her for reaching out and voting for one of the best judges ever nominated to the supreme court by any president since Thurgood Marshall was nominated.
I am thrilled to have a judge as qualified as Sotomayor to become the next supreme court judge. She will be able to hold the line against Scalia, Roberts, Thomas, and Alito, which had litte experience to become supreme court judges.
The Robert"s court has handed down mostly 5 to 4 decisions, and then they tell you are following the law, that is cow manure–sloppy.
It is great to find a few Republicans who aren't brain dead. Do you think Rush will allow them to remain in the party or will he throw them out?
Walter Cronkiite dead. I picked up a book for just $3-00 a year ago.
It's like new. Sombody paid $14 for it in 1996. "A Reporter Life".
What happened to those who believe that actions speak louder than words? Her written opinions clearly demonstrate that she follows the law and precedent. No "wild eyed" liberal – good pick for Suprene Court.