Martinez, Senate’s lone Hispanic Republican, announces support for Sotomayor for high court

Senate’s lone Hispanic Republican backs Sotomayor

WASHINGTON — The Senate’s lone Hispanic Republican says he’ll vote for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.

Florida Republican Mel Martinez calls Sotomayor well-qualified and says he takes great pride as a Hispanic American in her historic achievement.

He’s the second Republican to publicly announce his intention to vote for Sotomayor. Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar, the Senate’s most senior Republican, announced earlier Friday he would support President Barack Obama’s first Supreme Court nominee.

Martinez, who is not seeking re-election, was born in Cuba. Sotomayor is the daughter of Puerto Rican parents.