Reactions from the Houston Mayoral Candidates

If you were hiding under a rock the last 24 hours or perhaps you were catching up on every movie ever touched by John Hughes then you may have missed history.

The United States Senate unanimously voted with a 68-31 total to confirm the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor and paved the way for her to become the nation’s first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice of the United States.

Well, I have scoured the Internet as best that I could and have found the following statements from the Mayoral Candidates and Texas State Representative Carol Alvarado.

Texas State Representative Carol Alvarado of District 145 in Houston, Texas and formerly Houston City Councilmember of District I states:

“I am overjoyed by the confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. History will remember today as the day when the American judicial system caught up with salad bowl that is American diversity. When Justice Sotomayor takes her oath of office, it will serve as an everlasting reminder to young Latina women across our country that no dream is out of reach and that no glass ceiling is unbreakable.”

Houston Mayoral Candidate Gene Locke states:

“Today the United States Senate made history when they confirmed the first Hispanic, and the third woman, the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, to the Supreme Court. This is an unprecedented milestone for Hispanics and women in our country.

Recently our own Commissioner Sylvia Garcia was elected as President of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). Commissioner Garcia becomes the first Texan and is the second Latina in the organization’s history to assume this leadership position. All Houstonians should be proud of Sylvia.

Congratulations to Judge Sotomayor and Commissioner Garcia, they are great examples that opportunities abound for all Americans and all Houstonians.”

Houston Mayoral Candidate Annise Parker states:

“Today, Judge Sonia Sotomayor will be sworn in as Justice Sonia Sotomayor – and our Supreme Court will look a little more like America.

Justice Sotomayor, our nation’s first Hispanic Supreme Court justice, earned her new position because of her superior qualifications – and that’s how it should be. But it’s the story of her life that inspires so many, including me. Her story is the latest embodiment – and an affirmation – of the American dream.

Today is a day for celebration and patriotism for all Americans and, especially for Hispanic Americans, a day to celebrate the promise of an even brighter future.”

I was not able to find anything on Peter Brown’s website, nor his Twitter account or even Facebook profile regarding this historic moment. That does not mean that he is apathetic to this historical moment, so expect a response shortly.

I think everyone else summed up how I felt about this event. I am thrilled that we will have an empathetic judge that will share a background similar to countless of Hispanic around the United States. She is a great example that no matter how humble your beginnings may be or the obstacles you have to overcome … anything is possible.

Update: Peter Brown has sent me a statement in reference to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation yesterday.

Houston Mayoral Candidate Peter Brown states:

"This is a historic moment for our country and for the Hispanic community. I applaud Justice Sotomayor on her accomplishment. While some have tried to use this moment and this debate as a wedge to drive our country further apart, I think it should be seen as a moment for us to come together, in celebration of the opportunities America offers."