Song of Sonia; Sotomayor's Nomination Should Rest on Her Record, Not Race

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Byline: THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Justice is supposed to be blind, but some Democrats want everyone to focus on Sonia Sotomayor's race and impoverished upbringing when considering her Supreme Court nomination.

New York Rep. Nydia Velazquez, chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, warned Tuesday that as Republicans look to make inroads with Latino votes, they need to be very cautious and careful in attacking the nominee.

Democrats haven't always been so sensitive. Internal 2001 Democratic Senate Judiciary staff memos to current Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin, Illinois Democrat, and Sen. Edward Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat, used race as a …