Leahy says Sotomayor follows rule of law

WASHINGTON — The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee says Sonia Sotomayor will be a Supreme Court justice who’s “committed to the law” and “not to ideology.”

Describing Sotomayor as an “outstanding” nominee at the start of her Senate confirmation hearing Monday, Sen. Patrick Leahy denounced what he described as efforts to distort Sotomayor’s record and views.

The Vermont Democrat said she’s shown “respect for the rule of law,” and will be a “fair and impartial justice.” Leahy said in her years as a federal judge, Sotomayor has been a “judge for all Americans.” And he says she’ll be a “justice for all Americans” on the high court.

Leahy said Sotomayor brings to the high court more judicial experience than any nominee in nearly 100 years.