From FOX News
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07 ... -hearings/
THE PATRIARCH

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.

Hatch, 75, has been the committee chairman twice and participated in hearings for eight Supreme Court justices. A musician and great-grandfather, Hatch is known for a generally cool demeanor that sometimes gives way to frank rejoinders.

He has a strong conservative philosophy, and in past hearings he staunchly defended the troubled nominations of Robert Bork (who wasn't confirmed) and Clarence Thomas (who was). But Hatch has departed from party dogma, too, on stem cell research and other issues.

He has said he's concerned that Sotomayor takes a "somewhat dim view of the Second Amendment" to the Constitution to keep and bear arms. But he also has said he's keeping an open mind and generally believes presidents should be given leeway on the people they nominate.

------Miami Herald:
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation/ ... 31911.html

The nation's lawyers and law enforcement leaders gave Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor ringing endorsements Tuesday, even as Republicans tried to rally opposition.

With Sotomayor's Senate confirmation hearing less than a week away, the American Bar Association announced that the 54-year-old appellate judge is ''well qualified'' to serve on the nation's highest court. The unanimous recommendation is the association's highest grade for a potential judge.

''The only way she can get derailed is if she performs poorly next week,'' acknowledged Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a Senate Judiciary Committee member. He said he was still undecided, but added, ``I honestly think I could vote for her.''