Area Hispanics praise selection of Sotomayor

President Barack Obama's selection of Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court was widely praised yesterday by members of the Richmond area's Hispanic community.

Sotomayor, 54, a New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent, would be the court's first Hispanic justice.

"She is a wonderful choice," said Mechanicsville resident Aida Pacheco, who met Sotomayor during her college years at Princeton University in the 1970s. "She is someone that meets all the qualifications and respects the Constitution."

Sotomayor's personal story -- described by Obama yesterday as "inspiring" -- and her three decades of work in the judicial system make her a good addition to the highest court, members of the Hispanic community said.

"As a Puerto Rican born in New York and someone that knows her, I feel that we will be very well represented," Pacheco said.

Michel Zajur, a Richmond restaurateur who is president of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said Obama's pick reflects a rapid change in U.S. demographics, noting that Hispanics now represent 15 percent of country's total population.

The nomination makes a strong statement about the country's growing diversity, Zajur said.

"If she does get confirmed, it would be of historic significance," he said. "I am just glad to see that a Hispanic woman has been nominated."

In recent weeks, Latino organizations pressed the White House for a Hispanic nominee. Some cited the group's overwhelming support of Obama in last year's election.

Arlington County Board member J. Walter Tejada, who also is a member of Hispanics for a Fair Judiciary Coalition, said the nomination was long awaited.

"We are beaming with pride in the Latino community today. We have an extraordinary, capable, qualified nominee," he said. "It just so happens [that] she happens to be a woman and a Latina.

"This country, once again, has taken another step forward in the quality and justice for all. The composition of our country today must be reflected in every level of leadership," Tejada said.

National Latino groups also applauded Obama's choice.

"Today is a monumental day for Latinos. Finally, we see ourselves represented on the highest court in the land," said Janet Murguía, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza. "Judge Sotomayor's story personifies the American dream for so many Latinos in this country."

Contact Luz Lazo at (804) 649-6058 or .