Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor defended her judicial philosophy and prior rulings Tuesday as she embarked on the first full day of questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Six Democrats and five Republicans took up to 30 minutes each to question Sotomayor. Another eight members will speak Wednesday.

During her responses, the Bronx native defended herself against charges that her speeches and rulings show racial bias.

"I want to state upfront, unequivocally and without doubt: I do
not believe that any racial, ethnic or gender group has an
advantage in sound judging," she said. "I do believe that every person has an equal opportunity to be a good and wise judge, regardless of their background or life experiences."

She told critical Republican senators, a critic, that her record proves that she never let sympathies affect her judgement. The comments come in response to criticism over a 2001 speech where she suggested a "wise Latina woman... would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life."

Sotomayor, the daughter of Puerto Rican migrants, said she was attempting to make a play on words that fell flat, but that explanation did not appease Republicans.

"I'm very troubled that you would repeatedly over a decade or more make statements that consistently argues that this ideal and commitment," said Republican Senator Jeff Sessions. "I believe every judge is committed, must be, to put aside their personal experiences and biases and make sure that that person before them gets a fair day in court."

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said, "If Lindsey Graham said, 'I will make a better senator than X, because of my experience as a Caucasian male makes me better able to represent the people of South Carolina and my opponent was a minority,' it would make national news, and it should."

"You didn't in your speech say, 'That this is not good. We need to set this aside.' Instead, you seem to be celebrating it," said Republican Senator John Kyl. "The clear inference is it's a good thing that this is happening."

Sotomayor was also grilled on the much-discussed case made by white New Haven, Connecticut firefighters who alleged reverse discrimination. The 55-year-old judge and two other judges ruled against the claim they were denied promotions because of affirmation action and quotas.

She claimed she was following precedent.

If confirmed, the Bronx native would become the first Hispanic to sit on the Supreme Court.

At one point during the morning, Sotomayor spoke about her mentor, Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, and said she owes what she has become to the Manhattanite.

"I became a lawyer in his office," she said.

Sotomayor also touched upon controversial issues. She said that she will keep an open mind about gun cases, and that one of her godchildren is a member of the National Rifle Association and that she has friends who hunt.

She also said that abortion rights are a "settled law."

For the fourth time in two days, the session was interrupted by anti-abortion protesters.

On Monday, Sotomayor told the committee about her experiences as a corporate litigator, trial judge, and appellate court judge.

Democrats have a majority in the committee and although opponents will have some tough questions, it appears no one is doubting her eventual confirmation.

"Unless you have a complete meltdown you're going to get confirmed - and I don't think you will," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. "And the drama being created here is interesting and my Republican colleagues who vote against, I assure you could vote for a Hispanic nominee. They just feel unnerved by your speeches, some of the things you've said and some of your cases."

"I will not vote for and no senator should vote for an individual nominated by any president who believes it is acceptable for a judge to allow their personal background, gender, prejudices or sympathies to sway their decision in favor of or against parties before the court," said Republican Senator Jeff Sessions.

Meanwhile, outside the Capitol, supporters and opponents gathered to make their opinions on Sotomayor known.

"This is a historical event, the first Latina in the Supreme Court," said supporter Zenaida Mendez of the National Dominican Women's Caucus. "Someone who came from the projects, through education, she's not going to just be the first Latina in the Supreme Court. That's the message. We have to be proud. Whether you are Latina, African-American, white, we all have to be proud at this moment."

"Sonia Sotomayor is pro-abortion and she is going to continue to hold up Roe vs. Wade, which kills babies," said an opponent. "Roe vs. Wade is going to kill more babies. That is destructive and it's murder."

Many critics of Sotomayor, including some Republican senators, said they expect her to be confirmed at the end of the process.