AP: Obama to choose Sotomayor

It seems that President Barack Obama will tap Sonia Sotomayor as his first appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sotomayor, a federal appeals judge, will replace Supreme Court Justice David Souter if she is confirmed by the Senate.

From the AP:

Administration officials say Sotomayor would bring more judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any justice confirmed in the past 70 years.

A formal announcement was expected at midmorning.

Obama had said publicly he wanted a justice who combined intellect and empathy—the ability to understand the troubles of everyday Americans.

Democrats hold a large majority in the Senate, and barring the unexpected, Sotomayor's confirmation should be assured.

If approved, she would join Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the second woman on the current court.

Read the rest here.