The New York State Senate Puerto Rican / Latino Caucus Celebrates President Obama's Nomination Today Of Justice Sonia Sotomayor To The United States Supreme Court

Members of the New York State Senate Puerto Rican/Latino Caucus are pleased and  proud that President Obama has selected Justice Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee for the United States Supreme Court.

Chairman  Senator  Reverend  Ruben  Diaz  stated: "I congratulate President Obama's  selection of Justice Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee for the United States  Supreme  Court.   It  is my honor as State Senator representing the district  that includes Bronxdale Housing – the very housing projects where Justice Sotomayor grew up."

 "I  am  elated  to  hear  that Justice Sotomayor has been nominated to the United States Supreme Court.  Justice Sotomayor has a well-deserved respect as an intuitive, inspiring and just jurist,"
declared Senator Martin Malave-Dilan.  "She has risen from her humble roots in  The  Bronx  to  become a well-known, respected facet of the US Court of Appeals  during  these  last  ten  years.   I look forward to her continued success  upon  confirmation  as  the first Latina in the US Supreme Court's history."

Upon  learning  of her nomination, Senator Pedro Espada stated : "President Obama  has  truly honored us all with the appointment of Justice Sotomayor. Our  system  of  justice  will  be  well  served with skill, compassion and justice for all – a reality that all Americans can be proud of."

Senator  Hiram Monserrate agreed : "This is one of the proudest moments for the  Latino community in New York and throughout our great nation.  Justice Sotomayor  is  the  realization of all the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the  Puerto  Rican  and  broader  Latino  community.   We  salute our great President on this historic day."

An  open  letter  dated  May 11, 2009  to President Obama from the New York State Senate Puerto Rican/Latino Caucus called for the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States  Supreme Court stated: "We are honored to  be  able  to  recommend  to you someone of this caliber and urge you to appoint  her  as  your  first  Supreme  Court  Justice.  The nation will be greatly  served by Judge Sotomayor for many years."  This letter was signed by  Senator  Reverend  Ruben  Diaz, Chairman, Senator Pedro Espada, Senator Martin Malave-Dilan and Senator Hiram Monserrate.

Justice  Sonia  Sotomayor  was  born  in  New  York  City and raised in the Bronxdale  Public  Housing  complex  in  Senator  Ruben  Diaz's  Senatorial District.   Judge  Sotomayor  attended Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx,  then  graduated  Summa  Cum  Laude from Princeton University.  Upon graduating  from  Yale  Law  School, Justice Sotomayor went on to work as a District Attorney in Manhattan, then moved on to a law firm specializing in international  law.   At  the  age  of  38 she was appointed to the federal bench.    Her   academic   preparation,   coupled   with  her  professional experiences,  as  well  as  her compelling personal background made her the best Supreme Court nominee.

For further information, please contact Marlene Cintron, Executive Director of the New York State Senate Puerto Rican / Latino Caucus at 646/295-3775.