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Previewing her likely response to a key Republican criticism, Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor said her opinions will reflect the law, not personal opinions, in a meeting today with Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy.

"Of course, one's life experience shapes what your views are, but ultimately and completely as a judge you follow the law," Leahy said Sotomayor told him when he asked how her background will influence her decisions. He said she used the phrase "ultimately and completely."

Sotomayor has been ripped by Republicans like former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., for a 2001 speech where she said, "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life."

Senate Republicans have been more restrained but expressed concern about the statement. The White House has said she regrets her choice of words.

The meeting with Leahy was one in a series that Sotomayor has today. With photo opportunities and media hordes on hand at each stop, the meetings appear to be ceremonial courtesies and preliminary chances for senators to question Sotomayor.

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