Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) met with Sonia Sotomayor yesterday, and walked away impressed. Just... not impressed enough to fully endorse her nomination. "I was pleased to meet with Judge Sotomayor today and I am impressed with what I have learned so far about her life, career and views," Nelson said. "We had a very good discussion about the role of the different branches of government, her history on the bench and previous cases, and her judicial philosophy."

I believe Judge Sotomayor understands how crucial it is to faithfully uphold the law and Constitution on the bench, and not bring an agenda to the bench seeking to make law. I also believe she is committed to respecting settled law and precedent.

The American people deserve a thorough and even-handed confirmation process in the weeks ahead. I look forward to learning more about Judge Sotomayor in that process. It would be unfair to prejudge the nominee, one way or the other, before she has a fair hearing before the Judiciary Committee, has the opportunity to tell her story to the American people and the Senate has time to consider her entire record.

In earlier statements, Nelson noted the historic nature of the Sotomayor nomination, but made sure to inveigh against activist judges at the same time.