WASHINGTON (CNN) - A key Republican senator announced Wednesday he plans to vote for Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor, adding further momentum to an easy confirmation for President Obama's first high court pick.
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham's decision bucks the views of most of his conservative GOP colleagues. Republican Sens. Jon Kyl of Arizona and Thad Cochran of Mississippi preceded Graham on the Senate floor to oppose the 55-year-old federal appeals court judge.
Graham called Sotomayor "extremely well-qualified" with an extensive legal and judicial record, but criticized some of her views expressed on and of the bench. He lamented "the politicization of the judiciary" that he said has hurt public respect for the courts and the legislature itself. Three other moderate Republicans have previously announced they would vote to confirm Sotomayor.
The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote next Tuesday whether to confirm her, followed days later by a full Senate vote. Confirmation is expected, and GOP leaders have said they would not filibuster the nominee.
From CNN Politics
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Is Graham a Democrat in Republican clothes as well? Any right wingers care to paint him that way?
Thank you Lindsey for having some common sense, let's get Sotermayor into the Supreme Court and move on!
I think the GOP realizes replacing one left-leaning judge with another is just preserving the Supreme Court balance 'as-is'.
Expect a much bigger fight if a conservative judge retires while Obama is in his second term.
I cannot wait to laugh when I hear whatever Rush Limbaugh is going to say about this!
Well isnt this a surprise. Is he running for election in 2010? If so he is wanting the Latinao votes.
no way is a white man, going to support a latino woman. that's it turn in your sheet as you leave the party!!
If Lindsay Graham is going to support her, why won't Sen. McConnell since he's the leader of the Party of No.
Now all we need now is for the rest of the GOP to help with fixing healthcare for the people instead of trying to save their own rawhide.
CHANGE IS COMING TO AMERICA-- A change up to beleive in___
Way to go, Lindsey! Glad to see someone put the 'Grand' back in the GOP by putting the appointment above the politics.
Who would have thunk it given his line of questioning? I'm surprised. Kudos to you Senator.