In the first day of hearings on the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice David Souter, members and the nominee presented opening statements. Members focused on Judge Sotomayor’s experience as a trial lawyer and federal judge, as well as her judicial temperament and philosophy. They also outlined several areas that would be a focus of questioning including her statements about race and ethnicity. Part 1 of the hearing includes opening statements by Senators Leahy, Sessions, Kohl, Hatch, Feinstein, Grassley, Feingold, Kyl, Schumer, Graham, and Cardin. Opening statements continue on subsequent program parts.