2:34 p.m.

Pressed on cameras in the court, one of Specter's pet subjects, Sotomayor says "that question is an important one" and she indicates that she will convey to the court her own positive experiences.

"It's an ongoing process," she says.

2:27 p.m.

With friends like these...

Specter repeatedly cuts Sotomayor short as she provides less-than direct answers to his substantive questions. He sounds testy. On the other hand:

"You'll be judged more on your record than on your answers," Specter acknowledges.

2:09 p.m.

Reliving his glory days, perhaps, Specter starts off with a five-minute exposition on one-time nominee Robert Bork. Now, THERE was a confirmation hearing!

Finally, the first question: Specter asks whether Sotomayor agrees with Chief Justice John Roberts that the court's docket could stand growing. To wit: in 1985, the court heard about 150 cases each year. Now, the court only hears about half as many.

Sotomayor starts to duck it, and Specter immediately cuts her off to ask about wiretapping. Blunt!

Specter then seethes with frustration over not having been notified by the Bush administration about the wiretapping.

2:04 p.m.

Republican-turned-Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter, once the mighty chair but now the second-most junior member of the judiciary committee pack, finally gets his chance to show off his constitutional chops.

"You are engaged," Specter says, adding that "you have shown intellect (and) humor."

But enough of the warm-and-fuzzies; Specter advises Sotomayor he has a "long list" of questions. TK: CIA. Wiretapping. Second Amendment. Women's rights.