-- Reaction from Congress and various outside groups to President Barack Obama's nomination of federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court:
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"As Majority Leader, I will do all I can to ensure Judge Sonia Sotomayor receives a fair and respectful hearing and the Senate's quick confirmation." _ Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
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"Senate Republicans will treat Judge Sotomayor fairly. But we will thoroughly examine her record to ensure she understands that the role of a jurist in our democracy is to apply the law evenhandedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences." _ Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
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"Judge Sotomayor has a long and distinguished career on the federal bench. She has been nominated by both Democratic and Republican presidents, and she was twice confirmed by the Senate with strong, bipartisan support." _ Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the Judiciary Committee.
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"We must determine if Ms. Sotomayor understands that the proper role of a judge is to act as a neutral umpire of the law, calling balls and strikes fairly without regard to one's own personal preferences or political views." _ Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee.
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"This is an historic choice, and much more. Judge Sotomayor meets three very important standards in filling this Supreme Court vacancy _ excellence, moderation and diversity." _ Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
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"She must prove her commitment to impartially deciding cases based on the law, rather than based on her own personal politics, feelings and preferences." _ Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
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"Her confirmation would add needed diversity in two ways: the first Hispanic and the third woman to serve on the high court." _ Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa.
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"The Judiciary Committee should take time to ensure that the nominee will be true to the Constitution and apply the law, not personal politics, feelings or preferences." _ Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa.
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"With eight men, one woman and no Hispanics currently sitting on the court, President Obama listened to voices like former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in recognizing that diversity on the bench is essential." _ Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.
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"I commend President Obama for nominating a well-qualified woman." _ Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine.
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"Puerto Ricans, both on the island and in the 50 states, take great pride in today's historic appointment. The story of Sonia Sotomayor is truly an inspiration." _ Delegate Pedro Pierluisi, D-Puerto Rico.
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"She has an extremely high rate of her decisions being reversed, indicating that she is far more of a liberal activist than even the current liberal activist Supreme Court." _ Wendy Long, counsel to the conservative Judicial Confirmation Network.
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"The Supreme Court should reflect the diverse population of the U.S. to ensure the highest court understands the unique circumstances of all Americans." _ Brent Wilkes, national executive director of the League of United Latin American Citizens.
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