1 second ago 2009-12-09T06:35:03-08:00
With opening statements out of the way, it's time for the good part — a.k.a. "Let the Interrogation Begin."
Democrats and Republicans will take turns throwing questions at Sonia Sotomayor. Expect softballs from Democrats, fastballs and curve balls — and maybe even a brush back or two — from Republicans.
Rank determines who asks the questions when. Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont will go first; he's the chairman. Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama will be next; he's the top Republican on the committee. And so on, based on seniority. The only exception: Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. He switched from the GOP to the Democratic side earlier this year. If he had stayed in the GOP, he would be the top Republican on the committee. Because he switched, he's now a junior Democrat and will speak next to last on their side.
The only Democrat to speak after Specter? Newly minted Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota.
-Jesse J. Holland, AP reporter, Supreme Court
