Orrin Hatch: “As one editorial puts it, his nomination is ``an easy call.'' The Post was right to point out that we who support Miguel…”

“As one editorial puts it, his nomination is ``an easy call.'' The Post was right to point out that we who support Miguel Estrada should not do so simply because he is a Hispanic. As the Post points out there is no particularly ``Hispanic manner of deciding cases.'' They reject the diversity argument. I agree, and as I indicated Mr. Estrada has an exemplary record as a magna cum laude of both Columbia University and Harvard Law School graduate, and his extraordinary record of public service, including 15 cases argued before the Supreme Court. This record has not been met by many of the nominees of either party over the 27 years I have been here. In addressing why he was before us at his hearing I did not say anything about confirming Miguel Estrada because he is Hispanic. I did not have to make that argument because, as The Post points out, his record makes his confirmation ``an easy call.'' But this fact should not diminish the pride, that I have addressed, that Miguel Estrada's supporters have in the compelling story of a young immigrant who arrives from Honduras at age 17 and rises to be nominated to the second most prestigious court in the land.”