"This case sharpens our focus on Judge Sotomayor's troubling speeches and writings, which indicate the opposite belief: that personal experiences and

"This case sharpens our focus on Judge Sotomayor's troubling speeches and writings, which indicate the opposite belief: that personal experiences and political views should influence a judge's decision."

So said Senator Sessions (the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee.)

The linked article is mainly about how the Supreme Court's ruling in Ricci v. DeStefano isn't going to keep Sotomayor from getting confirmed. Yes, of course. But the interesting thing is what will be said about the judicial role as a consequence of the new case. It opens up the confirmation hearings for some interesting discussion of what we want from judges.

Sotomayor will take her seat of the Supreme Court. We all know that. What we don't know is what happens next. And these hearings should be about laying the groundwork for the next series of appointments and the next presidential election.