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SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch announced he will not support Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In a statement released Friday, Hatch said that he was impressed by Sotomayor's credentials, experience and personal demeanor. After reviewing her judicial record, however, he concluded he could not support her nomination.
Hatch also said Sotomayor's testimony and responses during her Senate confirmation hearing led to his final decision.
"Although Judge Sotomayor has a compelling life story and dedication to public service, her statements and record were too much at odds with the principles in the judiciary in which I deeply believe," Hatch said in a statement.
Hatch also said he wished President Obama had chosen a Hispanic nominee that all senators could support.
Despite opposition from Hatch, GOP leaders and other conservatives, Sotomayor's confirmation is all but assured. She is expected to be confirmed by early August.
Republican Utah Sen. Bob Bennett also says he opposes Sotomayor's nomination.
