WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senator Jim Risch met today with Sonia Sotomayor, but says he will reserve his opinion until he reviews more of her records and hears testimony. Sotomayor, currently a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, is the president's nominee for associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States,

"I have strong reservations about this nominee," Risch said. "I was eager to meet with her to learn more about her judicial philosophy and how she looks at issues important to Idahoans, but in a 30-minute conversation, it's hard to learn as much as one needs when considering a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. Over the next few weeks, I will continue to review her judicial opinions, other writings and speeches as well as her testimony in the upcoming hearing before making a final decision on how I will vote."

A Supreme Court associate justice appointment, which requires U.S. Senate confirmation, is one of a president's most important nominations.

"The cases heard by the Supreme Court directly relate to an interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It is critical a nominee to this high court has a deep appreciation for, is well-versed in and has a profound understanding of these foundational documents of our country," Risch said. "In addition, as a former prosecutor, I value a judge who interprets the law and does not try to legislate-create new law-from the bench. It is not about their own passions and beliefs, but a fair application of the law."

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee announced earlier this month that the nominee's hearing would begin in mid-July.

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