30 seconds ago 2009-12-10T22:04:50-08:00
Texas Republican John Cornyn told Sonia Sotomayor he wouldn't get nasty in his questioning. That didn't stop him from asking tough ones on her "wise Latina" comment and other issues -- albeit politely. He even said at one point: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you."
A conservative Judiciary Committee member, Cornyn's probably in the toughest spot of any GOP senator. He's caught between his state's 36 percent Hispanic population and a hard place. But that's not all. He's chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and would take much of the blame if Republicans lost more Senate seats next year.
Cornyn was careful before the hearing, saying he wants to know more about Sotomayor's views on gun ownership, equal protection for all and government seizure of private property. He pressed her on a range of issues, firmly though politely.
Hispanics and conservatives also want to know more: specifically how Cornyn will vote. He hasn't said.
-Larry Margasak, AP reporter, Congress
