DENVER DAILY NEWS
The Senate Thursday voted 68-31 to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court in a vote that was largely on party lines with Democratic support and Republican resistance.
Several Colorado Democrats expressed their pleasure at the confirmation.

Udall’s response
U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., expressed his pleasure that Sotomayor was confirmed.
“Over the last few months, the nation has gotten to know Judge Sotomayor, and she is an example for all of us,” Udall said. “She is the daughter of Puerto Rican parents, who moved to New York City at a time when racial and ethnic prejudice was widespread. She learned from her parents’ good example, worked hard, achieved amazing things, and rose to the top of her field.
“Sonia Sotomayor’s story is compelling, but it is her record that matters most. She navigated rigorous Senate confirmation hearings with grace, took tough questions and gave clear and forthcoming answers. Her poise through hours of questioning is a testament to her strength of character. And my study of her record convinces me that she is a judge who follows the Constitution and the law, and that she is exceptionally qualified to serve.
“Twenty-eight years after my father, former Arizona Congressman Morris Udall, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on behalf of fellow Arizonan, Sandra Day O’Connor — the first woman to serve as a United States Supreme Court Justice — I was honored to cast my first Supreme Court confirmation vote for Sonia Sotomayor and make history again.
“As a first-year Senator, this is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life. I have full faith that Judge Sotomayor will be an excellent, unbiased justice, and I want to welcome her to the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Bennet’s response
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., echoed Udall’s remarks.
“Judge Sotomayor has the intellect, professional background and judicial temperament necessary to serve as an associate justice of the Supreme Court,” said Bennet. “Her confirmation [Thursday] is a compelling reminder that, in this nation, anything is possible.”

Salazar’s response
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar released this statement Thursday: “[Thursday], our nation took a giant leap on the path of progress by confirming Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court of the United States. Judge Sotomayor’s qualifications, experience and sound judgment make her an excellent choice for the bench. She will be a fair, tough and impartial champion for the law.
“I am also proud that Judge Sotomayor, as the first Latina to reach the highest court of the land, will be an inspiration to young people of all backgrounds that with hard work, dedication to service and compassion for others, there are no limits to what a person can achieve in our great country.”

Waak’s response
Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak issued the following statement: “[Thursday’s] confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor is a historic event for the U.S. Supreme Court and for the American people. Our nation’s highest court will gain a sharp mind and a highly experienced justice to its bench. Her dedication to the court and commitment to the Constitution have been proven throughout her expansive legal career as a judge, a litigator and a prosecutor. With more judicial experience than any justice on the court in the last 70 years, she couldn’t be more prepared to rise to the monumental task of serving our country as a Supreme Court Justice.
“On this day we would also like to pause and appreciate the life of Judge Sotomayor as a remarkable citizen. Her achievements and hard work are humbling proof that the American Dream is alive and achievable. Judge Sotomayor will be the first Latina and only the third female to serve on the Supreme Court, making her a strong role model and an inspiration to millions of Latino and female Americans. Today is a great day for the American people, and I congratulate Judge Sotomayor and wish her the best of luck as she embarks on this important journey.”
Sotomayor will be sworn in on Saturday.