Obama calls Sotomayor, wishes her luck on eve of Supreme Court confirmation hearings

Obama phones Sotomayor on eve of hearings

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has called his Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor, to wish her luck at her confirmation hearings.

The White House says Obama called the appellate court judge from the Oval Office on Sunday. Obama complimented Sotomayor for making courtesy calls to 89 senators and told he that he’s confident she will win Senate approval.

Sotomayor’s confirmation hearings start Monday, and she is expected to coast to confirmation in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

If confirmed, Sotomayor, who grew up in public housing, would be the first Latina to serve on the high court.