McClatchy reports, “The Senate Judiciary Committee will begin hearings on the nomination of federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court on July 13, with a goal of having her confirmed by Aug. 6.” Chairman Patrick Leahy “announced on the Senate floor Tuesday that he was rejecting Republican requests that the hearings be delayed so that the Republican Party could have more time to examine her record.” Leahy said, “There is no reason to unduly delay consideration of this well-qualified nominee. Indeed, given the attacks on her character, there are compelling reasons to proceed even ahead of this schedule. She deserves the earliest opportunity to respond to those attacks.”
All three broadcast networks briefly reported on Leahy’s decision. ABC World News (6/9, story 6, 0:20, Gibson) said the hearings will start next month “despite grumblings from Republicans who want more time to review her background.” The CBS Evening News (6/9, story 7, 0:20, Couric) said the hearing will begin “a lot earlier than Republicans wanted.” NBC Nightly News (6/9, story 6, 0:30, Williams) said Leahy was “responding to the President’s call for a quick confirmation.”
From the American Association for Justice news release.
