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New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. has urged President Barack Obama to consider Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the United States Supreme Court.

In his letter to President Obama, which can be viewed at www.comptroller.nyc.gov, Thompson wrote: “As you now consider selecting a candidate to succeed Justice David Souter, I respectfully suggest your consideration of one individual in particular who would make an outstanding justice: Judge Sonia Sotomayor who currently serves on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.”

He continued: “Judge Sotomayor has a long and accomplished career as a jurist. She is recognized for her intellectual rigor and has garnered the deep respect of her peers on the bench. She possesses truly stellar credentials and reflects jurisprudence at the very highest levels. Her appointment would no doubt bring additional insight and add much needed diversity to the U.S. Supreme Court.” 

Thompson further noted Judge Sotomayor’s empathy as a quality that allows her to identify with those who come before the federal bench. 

“As a daughter of Puerto Ricans of modest means--born and raised in the South Bronx--the challenges she confronted and overcame no doubt provide her with a depth of understanding for the struggles and challenges that confront many Americans,” Thompson added.

Last month, Thompson had urged President Obama to consider appointing a Latino appointment to the United States Supreme Court in the event of a vacancy. That letter also can be viewed at www.comptroller.nyc.gov.

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