Women and Politics

America’s prospective first Latina and third female justice is one step closer to confirmation.  This morning, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to endorse Judge Sonia Sotomayor.  However, the vote was almost entirely along partisan lines—13 to 6, with Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina the only Republican in favor.

Despite previously making demeaning and sexist comments during Sotomayor’s hearing process, Senator Graham did an about-face when it came time to vote, saying that he knew she was qualified for the nation’s Highest Court, and this was the only factor which determined his final decision.

There are only two women on the prestigious Judiciary Committee- Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)- both of whom voted in favor of Judge Sotomayor.

The full floor vote is likely to be less partisan.  Several prominent Republicans, including Olympia Snowe of Maine, have pledged to support Sotomayor.

Watch the Committee vote here.  A full Senate vote, the final step in the confirmation process, is expected by August 7th. WCF supports Judge Sotomayor, and believes her confirmation is an important step towards reaching equality in public office.

Tags: democrats, judiciary comittee, lindsey graham, Obama, olympia snowe, Republicans, senate, sotomayor, Supreme Court