9 seconds ago 2009-11-10T04:42:01-08:00
Arlen Specter, who switched from the Republican to Democratic party, is facing the possibility of a tough primary next fall in Pennsylvania. (Rep. Joe Sestak is his likely 2010 Democratic primary challenger.)
So, when questioning Sotomayor, Specter had to be especially careful he didn't anger Hispanics and women. Sotomayor would be the high court's third female justice and first Hispanic justice. Women in his state were upset when he attacked Anita Hill during the Clarence Thomas hearings.
This time, Specter tried to insulate himself -- he said he can see how Hispanics could take pride at a Hispanic woman asserting herself.
-Larry Margasak, AP reporter, Congress
