U.S. Sen. Richard Burr wants to know more about Sonia Sotomayor's views.

In a statement to Dome, the Winston-Salem Republican said that he is committed to a "thorough and fair" confirmation process for President Obama's Supreme Court nominee.

"While her personal story is indeed inspiring, I hope that through the confirmation process we will have an opportunity to fully review her judicial experience and record," he said.

Burr has previously said he is looking for a "highly qualified nominee who respects the Constitution" and will not legislate "from the bench."

He voted for the confirmation of Chief Justice John Roberts in 2005 and Justice Samuel Alito in 2006.

Related: Hagan 'pleased with nominee.

Full statement after the jump.

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U.S. Sen. Richard Burr is waiting to see who President Obama recommends.

The Winston-Salem Republican gave a brief description of his ideal Supreme Court candidate in a statement to Dome today.

"I look forward to working with President Obama to find a highly-qualified nominee who respects the Constitution and does not believe in legislating from the bench," he said.

Burr voted for Chief Justice John Roberts in 2005 and Samuel Alito in 2006. He gave a neutral statement on Harriet Miers' failed nomination, saying he would "carefully review" her qualifications.

He also thanked retiring Justice David Souter for his "years of service to our country."

Full statement after the jump.

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John McCain says he would appoint similar Supreme Court justices as George W. Bush.

Speaking at Wake Forest University today, the putative Republican presidential nominee accused Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama of favoring "activist judges," Bloomberg reports.

McCain praised Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito, appointed by Bush, as "jurists of the highest caliber."

His views on the Supreme Court are being carefully watched because McCain was one of a bipartisan group, called the Gang of 14, that steered a middle course on Bush's appointments. The next president may also have an opportunity to make several appointments, with four justices over the age of 70.

In the speech, McCain noted that Obama opposed Roberts' appointment in 2005, saying that the toughest Supreme Court cases "can only be determined on the basis of one's deepest values, one's core concerns, one's broader perspectives on how the world works and the depth and breadth of one's empathy."

McCain said the comments "attempt to justify judicial activism."

Speaking of both Obama and Clinton, he added, "apparently nobody quite fits the bill except for an elite group of activist judges, lawyers and law professors who think they know wisdom when they see it."

Jim Neal took questions at a liberal blog this weekend.

In a liveblog on Pam's House Blend, the Chapel Hill investment banker said the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on gays in the military is "ludicrous" and the immigration system "doesn't work."

A candidate for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, he also said he opposed the appointment of John Roberts and Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court and supports more aggressive emissions standards on cars.

When asked how he felt about the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee's treatment of his candidacy, Neal said he won't need its support if he can get enough smaller donors.

"The DSCC doesn't vote in North Carolina," he said. "We have elections and primaries and not coronations. That's why it's critical to raise the funds to compete in a statewide race."