Lautenberg, Menendez are likely yes votes for Sotomayor

New Jersey's two U.S. Senators are praising President Obama's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, while stopping short of announcing their intention to support her Senate confirmation.

"This is a historic day for the Supreme Court - and the entire nation.  Judge Sotomayor has distinguished herself on the Court of Appeals with her knowledge, expertise and judgment.  I look forward to reviewing her qualifications more closely as the Senate proceeds with the confirmation process."

"Certainly, as an American of Hispanic descent, it fills me with pride to have the opportunity to cast a vote to confirm this groundbreaking nominee," said U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-Hoboken) who said her ethnic background alone is not the reason she'll be confirmed. "The Senate will be scrutinizing her judicial qualifications, and I believe that Judge Sotomayor is eminently qualified to become a Supreme Court Justice."

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-Cliffside Park) called Sotomayer's nomination a "historic day for the Supreme Court and the entire nation."

"Judge Sotomayor has distinguished herself on the Court of Appeals with her knowledge, expertise and judgment," Lautenberg said. "I look forward to reviewing her qualifications more closely as the Senate proceeds with the confirmation process."

Menendez said that Sotomayor has demonstrated considerable legal knowledge, judicial temperament and experience.

 "With this particular selection, President Obama has chosen a qualified candidate while helping to diversify a bench that has never truly reflected the diversity of our society. Diversity is about more than a good group photo, it's about bringing particular life experiences, which others may not fully understand, to our system of justice. Judge Sotomayor's personal background is rich with the joys and hardships that millions of American families share," Menendez said.