8:17 a.m.: President Barack Obama has tapped U.S. Circuit Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court today, officials said, making her the first Hispanic in history picked to wear the robes of a justice. If confirmed by the Senate, Sotomayor, 54, would succeed retiring Justice David Souter. Two officials described Obama’s decision on condition of anonymity because no formal announcement had been made.
Administration officials say Sotomayor would bring more judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any justice confirmed in the past 70 years.
A formal announcement is expected at midmorning.
{Elisha Ferber-Matzav.com Newscenter}
