Sotomayor to the left but not the Apocalypse

We've just begun the process of going through Sonia Sotomayor's record on the bench to see what's up. As this Register editorial suggests, at this point it's pretty clear that she's not exactly a rightist in the Sam Alito mode but she doesn't seem to be a raving radical -- or a racist, despite a few unguarded remarks and despite the conservative attack machine's desires. I suppose we're in for a contentious confirmation process. Both the official right and the official left have an interest in justifying the millions they've raised. But I'm a little sick of the half-truths and distortions from both sides already.