Specter Applauds Sotomayor Pick

Judge Sonia Sotomayor enters her confirmation process with support from the former top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Arlen Specter. Specter applauded Sotomayor's nomination in a statement released by his office this morning:

I applaud the nomination of Judge Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.  Her confirmation would add needed diversity in two ways: the first Hispanic and the third woman to serve on the high court.  While her record suggests excellent educational and professional qualifications, now it is up to the Senate to discharge its constitutional duty for a full and fair confirmation process.