Ensign says he will vote against Sotomayor

WASHINGTON — Sen. John Ensign says he will oppose Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Nevada Republican says Sotomayor is an impressive role model, but her record and testimony left him doubting she would adhere "to the rule of law."

In a statement Tuesday, Ensign voices concerns that Sotomayor would not strongly enforce Second Amendment rights concerning guns, which he says is central to the U.S. Constitution. Also, he says she had demonstrated a propensity to rule with "purpose-driven results."

Sotomayor would become the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice. Ensign's vote could alienate some of Nevada's Hispanic voters, who make up a growing and influential voting bloc.

The Senate is expected to take up the nomination this week.