Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, used the last few minutes of his allocated half-hour of questioning this morning to take a second jab at the left-leaning People for the American Way for its comments on Frank Ricci.

PFAW sent an e-mail on Friday claiming that the lead plaintiff in the Ricci v. DeStefano case (he's also a key GOP witness this week), has a "litigious" history that suggests he has continually sued claiming employment discrimination.

"There is this rumor that the People for the American Way, this organization has been smearing Frank Ricci. He is only one of 20 plaintiffs in this case," Hatch said. "I hope that's not true. And I know you have nothing to do with that. And don't think I'm trying to make this a point against you. That's the type of stuff that doesn't belong in Supreme Court hearings. And I know you would agree."

Sotomayor responded adamantly: "Absolutely. I would never endorse or approve or tolerate that kind of conduct." Hatch answered, "I appreciate that."

Hatch initially raised this concern in his opening remarks on Monday.

PFAW Executive Vice President Marge Baker responded to Hatch's remark in a statement to this blog: "With all due respect, I don't understand how pointing out that an individual used civil rights laws to protect their own interests is a smear. It's time to get past this distraction and have an honest discussion about the importance of anti-discrimination laws for all people."