What political party does Sotomayor belong to?

Answer 1

Answer

Sonia Sotomayor is registered as an Independent, and is considered a centrist by the American Bar Association, based on their analysis of her case rulings. Her opinions tend to focus more on strict legal analysis than on personal or ideological philosophy.

Sotomayor is known for being well prepared and knowledgeable about cases tried in, or reviewed by, her court. Her background as a social activist has not undermined her ability to make balanced decisions, nor has it shown bias toward any group or cause. For example, the ABA noted that she rejected 45 of the 50 racial discrimination cases they studied in forming their conclusion.

Although some ultra-conservative figures, like Rush Limbaugh, characterize her as being both extremely liberal and racist, this accusation is not borne by the evidence.

Sotomayor's judicial career began in 1992, when George H. W. Bush nominated her to the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, with the enthusiastic backing of both New York Republican and Democratic Senators.

Bill Clinton nominated Sotomayor to the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1997. Her nomination was held in the Senate for a year because some Republicans were afraid she was being put on a fast-track to the US Supreme Court. She was finally confirmed by a Senate vote of 67-29 (which included approval from 25 Republicans) in 1998.

On May 26, 2009, President Obama nominated Sotomayor to fill the Supreme Court seat being vacated by the now-retired Justice David Souter. The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to begin hearings on her appointment on July 13, 2009.

On August 6, 2009, the US Senate confirmed Sotomayor's nomination by a vote of 68-31, making her the 111th US Supreme Court Justice. Although the vote was split along party lines, the unanimous Democratic endorsement was joined by nine Republicans and both Senate Independents.

Answer

In theory she is not supposed to reveal her party affiliation. She was nominated under a Democratic administration and has liberal leanings.