The top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee said he plans to question Judge Sonya Sotomayor about her position on the Second Amendment and that the issue could become a focal point in the nomination hearings slated to begin on July 13.
Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., told me: “It is a matter of great constitutional importance and it is a major issue to discuss”
The National Rifle Association sent a letter to Sessions and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Leahy, D-Vt., stating they have “very serious concerns” about Sotomayor’s nomination.
Sotomayor ruled last year, as one of three members of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, that states can ban weapons because the Second Amendment, which protects a right to keep and bear arms, does not apply to them.
The ruling is worrying moderate Senate Democrats, whose vote is critical for Sotomayor’s nomination to win approval.
“I want to hear what she has to say,” said Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., adding that her view “could be” a problem for him, depending on “how she is able to answer questions,” on the matter.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who is a member of the Judiciary Committee, said Sotomayor is going to have to explain the ruling.
“She better be careful with how she responds and she better be serious, too,” Hatch said.
