Hispanic Groups See Sotomayor as Role Model

A sampling of reaction from Hispanic legal groups and civil rights groups on the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court:

Ramona Romero, president of the Hispanic National Bar Association:

"President Obama has nominated a jurist who is extraordinarily well-prepared to serve the American people on the Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor's stellar academic credentials, extraordinary intellect, and her broad legal experience as a prosecutor, corporate attorney, and judge on the federal trial and appellate courts make her an excellent choice. The historic nature of her nomination, the fact that she happens to be a Latina, and her compelling personal story are just icing on the cake."

Henry Solano, interim president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund:

“This is a historic, significant and meaningful nomination. At a time when the Hispanic community is at the heart of a number of higly politicized issues and faces attacks on our civil liberties, having a Latino on the Supreme Court provides a crucial perspective that will inform the court’s consideration of such cases.”

Maria Cardona, a founding member of Hispanics for a Fair Judiciary:

“President Obama has demonstrated bold leadership in nominating the first Hispanic to the Supreme Court. Justice Sotomayor will serve as a role model to all Latinos, especially those entering the legal profession, knowing that their own aspirations to serve our country in the highest positions of the judicial branch can be achieved. We look forward to supporting this nomination and working with the Administration to address the under-representation of Latinos on our circuit courts.”

John Payton, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund:

"In nominating Judge Sotomayor, President Obama has chosen a person with a powerful intellect, a distinguished career as a lawyer and as a judge, and a deep commitment to the rule of law that has grown out of life experiences which would be unique to a Justice of the United States Supreme Court."