The lights briefly dimmed and the air conditioning in Hart 216 went off while Sonia Sotomayor was answering a question by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.

"I have certain powers as chairman, but not that kind of power," quipped Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.

With the air conditioning temporarily off, a sense of relief swept through media types, Senate staffers and others who have been here since Monday. Complaints about the cold temperature in the room have been common among regular attendees of the confirmation hearings.

Once Klobuchar completed her questioning, Leahy addressed the lack of air conditioning. "I'm sure it's welcome news for some of the press up in the sky boxes," Leahy acknowledged, "but it's not welcome news here with the crowd going on." He said it would be fixed as soon as possible.