POLL: U.S. Voters Approve 2-1 Of Obama's Sotomayor Pick

[jefferson_dem]

May 29, 2009 - U.S. Voters Approve 2-1 Of Obama's Sotomayor Pick, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; Legal Skill More Important Than Diversity, Most Say

American voters approve 54 - 24 percent, with 22 percent undecided, of President Barack Obama's nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released today.

The Sotomayor nomination wins support from Democrats 81 - 3 percent and independent voters 50 - 26 percent, while Republicans oppose it 46 - 26 percent, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University survey finds. Men approve of the nomination 48 - 31 percent while women approve 59 - 18 percent.

The fact that Sotomayor would be the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice is a "very important factor" in President Obama's decision to nominate her, 34 percent of American voters say, with 36 percent calling it "somewhat important." A total of 26 percent call it "not too important" or "not important at all."

A nominee's legal qualifications are more important than achieving diversity on the Supreme Court, American voters say 60 - 8 percent, while 29 percent say both factors are equally important.

U.S. Senators should consider only Judge Sotomayor's legal qualifications in deciding whether to approve her nomination, 47 percent of voters say, while 43 percent say Senators should consider her views on issues such as abortion and affirmative action.

"She's not an American Idol yet, but Judge Sonia Sotomayor is rising quickly on the recognition scale of American voters. Only about one-fifth of voters are undecided about her and over 50 percent approve of her nomination, twice the number who disapprove," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "The difference of opinion reflects the political divide in the nation."

"Although Americans overwhelmingly think diversity on the Supreme Court isn't nearly as important as judicial qualifications, seven in 10 think that Judge Sotomayor's Hispanic heritage played a big role in President Obama's decision to nominate her," Brown added.

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http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1284.xml?ReleaseID=1306&What=&strArea=;&strTime=0

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. But the right will still run around in circles and claim they know what's best

It could be 99% in favor and they'd claim she was no good.

[otohara]

2. Usually it's 32%

rut-roh...Limbaugh, your attacks don't seem to be working.

[CTyankee]

3. As usual, the Republican Slime Machine has rallied its diminishing base.

And no one else.

These dinosaurs ought to give it up. They are so out of step with this country that they continually fall on their faces. The MSM raises "concerns" of tis group out of proportion to their small number. This is disturbing...