Sibling rivalry? Sotomayor's brother proud of her

[June 10, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The brother of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, beaming with pride about her accomplishments, says critics of the federal appeals judge just don't know her.

Juan Sotomayor said in an interview broadcast Wednesday that his older sister was fiercely protective of him as the pair grew up in the Bronx, N.Y. In his appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America," Sotomayor called his 54-year-old sister "tough as nails."

He said, "She first learned her negotiating powers early, and she figured if she couldn't negotiate, she'd go to step two." Sotomayor didn't say what that step entailed, except that his sister did look after him very closely.

He said assertions that she'd carry a liberal agenda to the high court are "derogatory and insulting." Her Senate confirmation hearings are scheduled to begin July 13.

[Associated Press]

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