Justice Sonia Sotomayor was nominated to replace Justice Souter on the Supreme Court on June 1, 2009 by President Barack Obama. After lengthy Senate hearings by the Judiciary Committee, Sonia Sotomayor was confirmed by the United States Senate by a vote of 68 to 31 on August 6, 2009. (Supreme Court) Although it was clear that the Republicans had not intent to obstruct the nomination, Partisan lines were clearly divided during the committee hearings and illustrated by the Senate votes. However, due to the Democratic majority in the Senate, it was clear that Sotomayor would be confirmed. During the hearings, Sotomayor answered questions honestly, eloquently and carefully. During questioning, it became clear which issues were most important to the Senate: impartiality, activism and the “wise” Latina. Not everyone agreed with the President's choice of candidate. In fact, some have called his choice a judicial activist. (Baker, 2009) Yet, given that Justice Sotomayor was replacing the liberal Justice Souter, this was not a surprise. At the start of the hearings, the conservatives' concerns were evident. The three questions listed above are considered the most relevant during questioning. Impartiality was raised during a number of questions. Because of Justice Sotomayor's bold opinions and previous speeches, her ability as a judge to examine issues related to the law has questioned many in an impartial manner. For example, his belief regarding respecting the intent of Congress was raised. The question of his impartiality was highlighted during questioning by Senator Cardin (D-MD). Sotomayor responded by explaining how a judge's job is to apply the law to the unique facts of each individual case. Furthermore, she has repeatedly discussed the importance of the middle of the article......n, C. (1999). Appointments: a theory of constraints and institutional choices. American Journal of Political Science, 43(4), 1069-1095. Senate Committee on the Judiciary: S. Hrg. 111-503, Confirmation Hearing of the Appointment of Hon. Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, July 13-16, 2009. (nd). Judicial power of the Senate. Retrieved February 2, 2011 from http://www.gpoaccess.govSenate Judiciary Committee (July 15, 2009). Continuing to nominate Sonia Sotomayor for Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Podcast retrieved from http://www.senate.gov.Senate Judiciary Committee. Supreme Court Appointments Present-1789. Retrieved from http://www.senate.gov. Sotomayor's 'wise Latina' comment a staple of her speeches - CNN. (June 5, 2009). CNN Featured Articles.