Jul 2nd, 2009 | MIDDLESEX, Vt. -- The chairman of the Senate's upcoming Supreme Court hearings says Republicans told him they would have objected no matter whom President Barack Obama nominated to the high court.
Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy told The Associated Press on Thursday that, quote, "They were going to object no matter who it was. And several have told me that privately."
Republicans did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Obama chose Judge Sonia Sotomayor, who Leahy predicted would overwhelmingly win confirmation to be the first Hispanic to sit on the high court. He said the hearings opening July 13 will be the first time she can defend herself against conservatives who have said some of her remarks sounded racist.
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