Judging Sotomayor

" Well she would be the nation's third of female Supreme Court justice just the second to be on the court right now. And the first Hispanic. And that is just one of the reasons some are predicting that Republicans. Are gonna go easy on Sonia Sotomayor her confirmation hearings next week. Is that true. Republican Alabama senator Jeff Sessions is the ranking member. Of the Senate Judiciary Committee that means he gets the GOP's first shot at the nominee. When the questioning begins this two day he's my guess this morning senator good morning to you. Good morning Maggie how are you -- great thanks so Monday morning we get to see her opening statement we get to hear. You're opening statement and the statements of the other senators on the Judiciary Committee. Who will get to cross examine this nominee and this is history in the making this is something because a lot of eyeballs not just in Washington. But around the nation ad it is a big moment not just for signs Sotomayor. Is there anything at this point that could derail her nomination senator."

" But certainly think there are things that could derail it to you often have. Events military hearing to date change that dynamic guy in a significant life. Villagers have to say that I think this nation Magid -- mural -- you know these things. But it say we're had a legal problem for our -- velocity out there that suggests that. Judges can the activist that they can allow their personal political ideological views to affect their decision making he's written. Quite a number of things. That suggests that she believes her background and her our beliefs. All legitimately can impact your decision making. That's contrary to the great American Heritage about independent neutral judiciary. And -- that's something we don't need to talk about."

" Some including some lawmakers on Capitol Hill are saying that the Republicans are -- soft -- list because she's Hispanic. Dimensional woman but in the ticket Hispanic vote is critical. Two Republicans in that some of the upcoming 30 elections and you don't wanna lose the Hispanic vote. And some lawmakers are saying you you go hard against Sonia Sotomayor Eric Jerome -- What's your feeling on -- center."

" But I don't think that's out a way to think about this. Every nominee in and frankly and passed the Senate has been abusive of nominees. Deserves a fair treatment. This nominee is a fine lady I see is not served well on the bench -- a person of integrity she works hard. But he does have a judicial philosophy that we need to inquire into -- if we do that fairly and objectively if we do everything possible to ensure that we have a competent judge -- is committed the fairness for all parties. Regardless of their background regardless of our political views. Then we will have served the public well and I don't think anybody can be offended at that in fact I think today. Those of us on the Republican side have not really carry this jeopardy -- level. In terms of bond issues that are being raised so."

" More senator she needs at least one and a vote from the Republicans on the senate judiciary committee to get out of committee. And -- the Democrats control the Senate so she -- that a committee of a pretty good she's gonna get confirmed. Many would say it all comes down to how the vote goes in the Judiciary Committee is there any chance do you believe. That's it it could wind up that not a single Republican on your committee vote yea."

" But I -- room eyes seemed to be cited out there I'm not sure that's the correct statement of the room I don't think that's accurate. But we'll go forward as we can. To make sure that she gets a fair hearing and every senator independently. On the Republican side and the democratic side can't say about it I think."

" You tell me -- ranking member what is the rule doesn't she need at least one vote from the minority."

" Well that has not been the rouge in recent years. Senator -- job. I was chairman of that and we did not agree -- that was the room in the past we've had dispute over how that route to be interpreted. It has not been interpreted that way in recent years."

" OK so that's that's good news for -- Sotomayor one of the big issues that has emerged over the past few days that may get in the way of her of her confirmation potentially. Is your position on gun rights this is a very big issue for a lot of people in this country in particular those who -- part of the NRA the National Rifle Association. She has issued a controversial that decision just in the past year. That says that states that the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms basically doesn't apply at the state level. Even the Supreme Court says it applies -- the federal level she issued a ruling saying. Not so with the states how big an issue. Does that get to be and how powerful is this group the NRA in terms of lobbying you and others like you in the US senate."

" This today he age issue because. If it if the Supreme Court -- as she held. That this Second Amendment does not flat to the states and that means that cities counties and states all over America. And totally deny an individual's right to keep and bear arms. I think that's just unthinkable. Under the way the constitution as written because it says as a right that people to keep and bear arms. And so I think this is he. She'll need to explain that she relied on some very old authority. To say that with but it raises real questions. About the future. And what this Supreme Court will be deciding in the --"

" Here CNN's become a and that -- decision from the Supreme Court with five force that's that's a close decision out by al-Qaeda or any quick answer but what is the one thing. We should be watching next week as these hearings begin."

" I think when native look closely to make sure that this nominee is absolutely committed to a non political objective. On judgeship. As she will do it Justice Roberts that be a neutral umpire in the ballgame not be taking sides. And that are ruling will not reflect a political leaning objectivity."

" senator Jeff Sessions he had no pressure but you're gonna have millions of people watching you do this. Including right here in the Fox News Channel and I'll -- the email thanks for being here we look forward to having you with us -- all the best. Ed stay with Fox News this weekend as we prepare for judge Sotomayor is hearings Brett bear and I will co host a special this coming Sunday night. Fox News reporting judging Sotomayor it starts at 8 PM eastern time. We and a team of our correspondents have been working on this saying for several weeks you will learn facts about judge Sotomayor you have not heard. Anywhere some of which are very eye opening I can tell you having worked on some of the segments myself. I learned a lot about this nominee I had never heard before it airs this Sunday at eight and then we will have wall to wall coverage for -- beginning Monday morning. Right here -- normal time -- not AM eastern you'll see the special coverage from Washington stuff good -- Sunday night to get there watching from the beach thank you -- but I'm looking forward to yeah."