Key GOP senator: Sotomayor past statements raise serious questions

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Arizona GOP Sen. Jon Kyl said Monday that while Judge Sonia Sotomayor's "background creates a prima facie case for confirmation," many of her past statements regarding the role of race and gender in judicial decision-making have raised serious questions about her suitability for the high court.

Among other things, Kyl cited Sotomayor's oft-cited comment that a wise Latina woman should be able to reach a better ruling than a white man.

Every person should have emphathy, Kyl also argued, but it is problematic when empathy becomes the key "ingredient" in reaching decisions.

Kyl also cited a comment once made by Sotomayor that U.S. courts need to take international law into account in certain instances or risk losing influence in the world.

"That's not a judge's concern," Kyl said.

Kyl made his remarks during the opening session of Sotomayor's Supreme Court confirmation hearing.