For Supreme Court pick, Obama chooses minority over quality

It's no surprise that President Obama would pick a Latina to be the next Supreme Court Justice. After all, it would re-affirm his commitment to fill more positions with minorities. But is Sonia Sotomayor the right choice as a Justice in our highest court? Is the President blinded by his desire to "diversify" the Supreme Court with a nomination of an unqualified person?

Although New York Senators Charles Shumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both Democrats, highly recommended Sotomayor in a letter to President Obama in April 2009, her experience and qualification warrant closer scrutiny. In particular, her six out of seven cases were reviewed and reversed by the Supreme Court. I wouldn't call that the result of an exemplary legal mind?

Republicans are preparing for a challenge to the nomination, but some have cautioned that grilling her in the Senate confirmation hearing would alienate even more Hispanic voters. The GOP should start focusing on getting conservative Hispanics on board to spread the opposition message. After all, the President's message is clear: He wants to place an activist judge in the Supreme Court. And it's a danger when a Justice would disrespect the Constitution for personal agenda.