Obama's Supreme Choice: Sonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor, center, who's spoken about her family's impact on her career as a judge, is seen in this family photo with her sister Miriam and cousins.
Obama's Supreme Choice: Sonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor could be the first Latina -- and only the third woman -- to fill a seat on the Supreme Court. New York federal judge Sonia Sotomayor was nominated by Barack Obama to be the first Latina to fill a seat on the Supreme Court. Hispanic judge Sonia Sotomayor, here at here eighth grade graduation, is a New York federal judge who's described herself as a "NewYorkican." Sonia Sotomayor, center, who's spoken about her family's impact on her career as a judge, is seen here with her sister Miriam and cousins. Sotomayor posed with her godson Thomas "Tommy" Butler at the United States Court of Appeals signing ceremony in 1998. WASHINGTON - MAY 26: U.S. President Barack Obama (L) announces federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor (R) is his choice to replace retiring Justice David Souter on the Supreme Court during an announcement in the East Room of the White House May 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. If approved by the U.S. Senate, Sotomayor will be the first Hispanic and the thrid woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court. Sotomayor currently sits on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, based in New York. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Federal judge Sonia Sotomayor would bring her tough New York style to the D.C. bench. Judge Sonia Sotomayor posed with her niece Kylie Sotomayor in upstate New York, where she has family. Sotomayor has spoken at several commencement ceremonies, including this one for Hofstra University, and is a well-known New York City public figure. Sotomayor received an honorary degree from Boston's Northeastern University in 2007. Sotomayor has a long history in the courtroom -- the Princeton grad has decades of judicious experience that she could bring to the Court. Sotomayor's known for her record on affirmative action and pro-minority voting -- she could bring about a change to Court decisions. Sotomayor is a public advocate who's brought her knowledge of the law to the community. Here, she speaks at a law symposium for Brooklyn law students. Sotomayor would be only the third woman to hold a seat on the Court if she's confirmed by the Senate -- a landmark decision by the Obama administration. Sotomayor was chosen after weeks of speculation about Obama's pick and announced Tuesday by the White House. Sotomayor joins an Obama administration that's branded itself around change and had four top women under consideration for Sotomayor's position.
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