Martinez defends Sotomayor’s ‘wise Latina’ remarks

Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) came to the defense of Sonia Sotomayor today, saying he doesn’t hold her “wise Latina” remarks against her. In fact, he supports them.

“For someone who is of Latin background, personally, I understand what she is trying to say,” Martinez said after meeting with Sotomayor today. “Which is, the richness of her experience forms who she is. It forms who I am.”

I believe Martinez is the first Republican senator to actively defend Sotomayor. This could be one of those symbolic turning points.

Martinez also said he expects Sotomayor to be confirmed “with pretty good numbers.”

Tags History of the United States Latina Mel Martinez Mel Martinez Person Career Politics Politics of the United States Presidency of Barack Obama Quotation Sonia Sotomayor Sonia Sotomayor Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court nomination Sotomayor United States federal courts

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.