WASHINGTON -- The Senate confirmed Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic justice on the Supreme Court by a 68-31 vote, handing President Barack Obama a victory right before lawmakers leave town for their August recess.
All of the chamber's Democrats and independents voted in Judge Sotomayor's favor except for ailing Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, who was absent. Among Republicans, the vote was nine in favor and 31 against.
"I'm filled with pride in this achievement and great confidence that Judge Sotomayor will make an outstanding Supreme Court justice," Mr. Obama said after the vote. Judge Sotomayor's confirmation amounted to "breaking yet another barrier and moving us yet another step closer to a more perfect union," he said.
