Debate on Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court continued Wednesday in the Senate, with both New York senators and a new Republican senator speaking in her favor.

Speaking before the Senate, New York Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer said there is no better time than now for the Bronx native to join the nation's highest court.

"Judge Sotomayor's record is a testament to her strict adherence to precedent her unyielding belief in the rule of law and our constitution," Gillibrand said. "I strongly support the nomination of Judge Sotomayor and I firmly believe she will prove to be one of the finest jurists in American history. I urge my fellow senators in joining me in voting for her nomination."

"It's time we have a moderate nominee," said Schumer. "It's time we have someone with a great family history, an American family history. It's time we confirm the first Hispanic justice to the Supreme Court."

Schumer also had harsh words for his Republican counterparts who oppose Sotomayor, saying they are holding her to a double standard.

"It's a shame that some of my colleagues can't put aside their own personal ideology and vote for a judge that they might not have chosen but who is unquestionably mainstream," said Schumer.

Since being nominated by President Barack Obama in May, the federal appeals court judge has been praised by Democrats and several other members of the GOP for her moderate views and for her nomination representing the American dream.

The vast majority of Republican senators, however, say she is unfit for the bench and that she would be an activist judge.

"When it came to the key issues, Judge Sotomayor's testimony often lacked the substance necessary and was even contradictory to her own previous statements, rulings and writings," said Republican Idaho Senator Mike Crapo.

Sotomayor is expected to easily win confirmation because of the Democratic majority and the support of at least seven Republicans, one of whom announced his decision to back the nominee Wednesday.

Retiring Missouri Senator Kit Bond said while he disagrees with some of her rulings and statements, he thinks she is well qualified.

"I will cast my vote in favor of the nomination of Judge Sotomayor and I urge my colleagues to do the same," said the Republican. "There has been no significant finding against her. There's been no public uprising against her. I do not believe that the Constitution tells me that I should refuse to support her merely because I disagree with her on some cases."

Sotomayor's confirmation vote is scheduled to be held Thursday.

If approved, she would be the first Hispanic and third woman to serve on the nation's highest court. She will be replacing Justice David Souter.

NY1 will have live coverage of the vote when it happens.