The Hispanic National Bar Association, which has been making the case for the nomination of the first Hispanic to the Supreme Court for more than 20 years, is gearing up for another try in the wake of Justice David Souter's plan to retire.
"There is an ample pool of qualified Latino lawyers, jurists and legal scholars of exemplary character and integrity who are well-equipped to serve," says association president Ramona Romero in a statement.
"It is time to give voice to those who have been voiceless," adds Carlos Ortiz, the association's longtime advocate for this cause, who is heading up HNBA's Supreme Court committee. The association, which represents more than 100,000 lawyers, judges, academics and law students, stands ready to work with President Barack Obama -- as it has with past presidents of both parties -- to facilitate the appointment.
By coincidence, the association's annual legislative day is tomorrow, when members from across the nation come to D.C. to contact members of Congress to discuss issues of interest, from judicial diversity to immigration reform. A White House briefing is also set, where the Souter vacancy will no doubt be discussed.
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund is also weighing in on the Souter vacancy, with president Henry Solano offering, in a statement, "I can think of no better moment for [Obama] to nominate the Supreme Court's first Hispanic and someone who will uphold our Constitution's promise of equal justice and freedom for all."
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