EDITORIAL - On deck: Sotomayor moves closer to the Supreme Court

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-6 Tuesday, along lines that were all too partisan, to send President Barack Obama's first Supreme Court nomination, Judge Sonia Sotomayor, to the floor for a vote.

Because of the Democrats' 60-seat majority, full Senate approval is expected before the body goes into its one-month summer recess Aug. 7, which will make it possible for the nominee to join the court when its term opens in October.

The choice by Mr. Obama was a strong one, based on Ms. Sotomayor's long and deep judicial experience and compelling personal story, not to mention the diversity she will bring as the first Hispanic and third woman to serve on the court.

Twelve Democrats, including Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, and only one Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, voted to approve her nomination in committee. Among the six Republicans who voted against her were several from states with significant Hispanic populations, including Sens. John Cornyn of Texas, Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, John Kyl of Arizona and Orrin Hatch of Utah -- making their votes politically curious.

Judge Sotomayor will be a worthy addition to the nation's highest court. She deserves confirmation before the Senate recess by better than a party-line vote.