Monday, Sen. Mark Warner gave a speech supporting the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the US Supreme Court.

But, WSLS was the first to learn of Warner’s decision following a news conference in Roanoke earlier that morning.

I asked Warner, “The last time we talked you said you wanted to hear what came of the confirmation hearing and that you wanted to meet her. You’ve done all of that now. Will you vote for her?”

Warner said, “I’ll give you a little news because I’m going to make a statement about this later today. Yes, I intend to support Judge Sotomayor. I think her testimony showed that she has the type of background, experience, right judicial temperament… And I think she will be a great addition to the court.”

Below is the news release from Warner’s office referencing his Monday afternoon speech supporting Judge Sotomayor.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner delivered the following remarks in the U.S. Senate on the nomination of Judge Sonya Sotomayor to serve as a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court:

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States.  But first I would like to applaud Chairman Leahy and Ranking Member Sessions for conducting a successful confirmation hearing.  The hearings lasted four days.  Fifteen witnesses testified and thousands of people attended the hearing in person.  Topics of discussion ranged from executive privilege to property rights.  In the end, the reviews were that the hearing was constructive and fair.
At the same, millions of Americans all across the country tuned in to the confirmation hearings to find out who Justice Sotomayor is.  As a U.S. Senator, I had the privilege of meeting with Judge Sotomayor in person and can say that the American people saw what I witnessed firsthand – an individual with extensive judicial experience, a clear understanding of the law and the judicial temperament to be an excellent Supreme Court justice.
A Historic Moment

Judge Sotomayor’s nomination is an historic moment for several reasons.  With 17 years as a federal district and appellate court judge, Judge Sotomayor has more judicial experience than anyone confirmed for the court in the past 100 years. 

She is also part of a small group of judges who have been nominated to the Federal judiciary by Presidents of different parties—President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton.  And with the addition of President Obama, she will become the first person nominated by three Presidents to serve on the federal judiciary.
Judge Sotomayor, as we all know, is also the first Hispanic American nominated to serve on the Supreme Court in its 220-year history.  Her family immigrated to the United States from Puerto Rico.  Her family didn’t have a lot of money, but her mother valued education and hard work.  Judge Sotomayor would go on to Princeton and Yale Law School where she excelled academically.
Judge Sotomayor did not have the benefit of a family name or wealth but she had ambition.  She proves that you can improve your life in a single generation.  I am confident that many young men and women of all backgrounds are inspired by her example.  Perhaps they will hit the books a little harder, practice their craft a little more and not give up on reaching their own individual dreams.
Her Judicial Philosophy

As Governor of Virginia and now a United States Senator, I have carried out the responsibility of selecting, vetting and nominating individuals to serve on the bench.  It is an enormous responsibility because the decisions that judges make affect people’s lives.
Much has been said about Judge Sotomayor’s judicial philosophy.  In testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, she made clear to me that she fully understands the role of a judge.  In her own words, her judicial philosophy is simple: “fidelity to the law” and a “rigorous commitment to interpreting the Constitution according to its terms.”  Independent institutions can attest to this.  The American Bar Association unanimously found Judge Sotomayor to be “highly qualified” – its highest rating.  A number of non-partisan groups have found her constitutional decisions to be “solidly in the mainstream.” 

Judge Sotomayor’s commitment to public service, extensive judicial experience, and fidelity to the law make her an excellent candidate to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. 

I look forward to casting my vote in support of Judge Sotomayor and encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.”