"It is high time for a Latino justice," said Maria Cardona, a founding member of Hispanics for a Fair Judiciary today. Her group is a coalition of Hispanic civil rights and advocacy groups that held a a joint telephone press conference to underline the importance they place on the appointment of the first Hispanic to the Supreme Court.
Several of those who spoke say they have gotten encouraging signals from the White House that one or more Hispanic is under serious consideration to replace retiring Justice David Souter.
Such an appointment would, said Cardona, "make the goal of equal justice more of a reality," adding that "everyone understands that diversity in this country has been a pillar of strength." John Amaya of the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund said a Hispanic on the Court would have "long-lasting, far-reaching impact" on issues of concern to Hispanics. Gabriela Lemus, chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda offered a specific example of an issue of concern: laws protecting workers don't apply to illegal aliens.
While not endorsing any candidate, Ramona Romero, president of the Hispanic National Bar Association, said the recent coverage of Sonia Sotomayor, judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit and probably the leading Hispanic candidate, has been "very sad." Anonymous attacks on her record and temperament have been "unbelievably problematic," Romero said. "Her record speaks for itself," Romero added, asserting that Sotomayor is a distinguished judge and would be "an outstanding role model" on the court.
Romero said her group has developed a nonpartisan list of Hispanics who have the legal background necessary for appointment. For more on her association's recent visit with White House officials, see this report in this week's National Law Journal.
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