Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., says he supports the nomination of appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In a statement, Dorgan called Sotomayor an "excellent selection" who has "outstanding academic, legal and judicial qualifications," and said he expects her to be confirmed.

Sen. Kent Conrad said Sotomayor's background is impressive and called her a "tough, level headed centrist" though he stopped short of a direct endorsement. He said he looks forward to meeting with the judge and learning more about her views.

If confirmed, the 54-year-old Sotomayor would become the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice and the second woman on the current court. President Barack Obama nominated her to succeed Justice David Souter, who is retiring.

Associated Press