Republican governor supports Sotomayor

Consider this Sonia Sotomayor’s first official endorsement from a Republican. Gov. Luis Fortuno (R) of Puerto Rico penned a letter to Senate leaders today expressing support for Sotomayor’s nomination.

“Judge Sotomayor has an extensive legal record and has enjoyed strong bi-partisan support in the past,” Fortuno wrote, referring to Sotomayor’s past confirmation as a federal judge. “She also has shown herself to be a first-rate jurist, approaching cases with an open mind and a commitment to fairness. I urge the U.S. Senate to approve her nomination in a respectful and bi-partisan way.”

The letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Judiciary Committee Chairman Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.)

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States. Fortuno is president of the New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico but is also registered as a Republican.

“We’re witnessing American history in the making here,” Fortuno continued in his letter. “Judge Sotomayor’s nomination as the first Puerto Rican to serve on the nation’s High Court is a powerful recognition of the capacity and contributions of the people of Puerto Rico, as well as the Nation’s entire Hispanic population.”

Sotomayor, born in the United States, is of Puerto Rican descent.