WASHINGTON –President Barack Obama tapped federal appeals judgeSonia Sotomayor for theSupreme Court on Tuesday, officials said, making her the first Hispanic in history picked to wear the robes of a justice.
If confirmed by the Senate, Sotomayor, 54, would succeed retiringJustice David Souter. Two officials described Obama’s decision on condition of anonymity because no formal announcement had been made.
Administration
officials say Sotomayor would bring more judicial experience to the
Supreme Court than any justice confirmed in the past 70 years.
A formal announcement was expected at midmorning.
Obama
had said publicly he wanted a justice who combined intellect and
empathy — the ability to understand the troubles of everyday Americans.
Democrats hold a large majority in the Senate, and barring the unexpected, Sotomayor’s confirmation should be assured.
A.