The Washington Post pre-hearing set-up:

Conservatively Liberal, Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor often reaches liberal results through conservative means. – Judge Sotomayor stirred controversy by suggesting in speeches that at times it may be proper — if not inevitable — for a judge to take into account personal experience and identity when deciding cases. It is clear, however, that in her work thus far she has consistently and appropriately let the law dictate the results.