Bennett says he will be fair to Sotomayor

Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor created controversy with some of her speeches. But Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, told her Wednesday that he is willing to judge her more on the opinions she issued as a judge than on those speeches.

"Judge Sotomayor asked that we concentrate on her judicial decisions rather than on the basis of her speeches during the confirmation process," Bennett said after meeting with her. "Just as I have been with previous nominees, I am committed to giving her a full and fair review."

Sotomayor has created a political stir for such things as saying during a speech at Duke University that circuit courts are "where policy is made," which upset senators who do not want judges to legislate from the bench.

Also, she was called a racist by such people as conservative radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh for a 2001 speech where she said a Latina would often reach better conclusions than white men because of her life experiences.

Sotomayor has met with a few senators daily in advance of Senate debate on her nomination, beginning with a scheduled July 13 confirmation hearing.

Bennett said in a statement after meeting her, "I had a very, very good discussion today with Judge Sotomayor. There is no doubt that she is a well-trained attorney with a long list of qualifications, but her extensive record will take time to review, and we should hold our Supreme Court justices to the highest standards."

— Lee Davidson