WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- Two key Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee announced their opposition to Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor on Friday , a further sign the party 's conservative base is uniting against President Obama 's first high court pick . Sonia Sotomayor 's Supreme Court nomination is to be put to a vote in the Judiciary Committee next week . Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch , the former chairman of the committee , and Texas Sen. John Cornyn , head of the party 's Senate campaign committee , announced on the Senate floor their intention to vote against the 55-year-old federal appeals court judge . Hatch 's decision came as something of a surprise . The veteran Republican has voted for every high court nominee in his 32-year Senate career , including President Clinton 's two liberal choices , Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer . Hatch had praised Sotomayor 's `` credentials and experience '' and the fact that she would be the first Hispanic justice . But despite the nominee 's compelling life story , Hatch said that controversial off-the-bench comments by Sotomayor troubled him . `` I reluctantly , and with a heavy heart , have found that I can not support her nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court , '' Hatch said in a written statement . `` In truth , I wish President Obama had chosen a Hispanic nominee that all senators could support . I believe it would have done a great deal for our great country . Although Judge Sotomayor has a compelling life story and dedication to public service , her statements and record were too much at odds with the principles about the judiciary in which I deeply believe . '' Cornyn candidly admitted that his opposition to Sotomayor could carry political risks in his home state , where one-third of the electorate is Hispanic . `` Voting to confirm a judge -- this judge or any judge -- despite doubts would certainly be the politically expedient thing to do , but I do n't believe it would be the right thing to do , '' he said on the Senate floor . `` Many of her public statements reflected a surprisingly radical view of the law , '' he said . He argued that the `` stakes are simply too high for me to confirm someone who could address all these issues from a liberal , activist perspective . '' Seven other Republicans have said they would vote against Sotomayor . Five mostly moderate GOP lawmakers announced their intention to back her . A vote is scheduled for Tuesday in the Judiciary Committee , followed by an expected final floor vote a week later . There is little doubt about the outcome , and Republican Party leaders have said no filibuster is planned . Conservative groups have been pushing Republican senators to rally hard against Sotomayor . The National Rifle Association stressed the intensity of its opposition to her nomination Thursday , warning senators that their votes will be considered in its future candidate evaluations . Among those supporting Sotomayor is conservative Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-South Carolina , whose folksy questioning of the nominee during last week 's confirmation hearings attracted wide attention . His decision brought a rebuke from the conservative Judicial Confirmation Network , which slammed Graham 's support `` based upon his apparent willful blindness to her record , both on the bench and off , of indulging her own ethnic and gender biases , personal political views , and liberal agenda in the name of 'law . ' '' The network 's counsel , Wendy Long , dismissed Graham 's `` cynical , pandering comments during the Judiciary Committee hearings , which were clearly aimed at drawing attention to himself rather than illuminating the role of the court in our constitutional republic . '' Some Republican moderates have privately expressed concern that attacking Sotomayor could hurt the party 's efforts to attract more Hispanics and women , especially since her confirmation seems assured . Sotomayor 's `` wise Latina '' comments were cited by Cornyn and others as reason for opposing her . The Texas Republican said Sotomayor was less than forthcoming when explaining her remarks in a 2001 speech . Sotomayor told a group of Hispanic law students that `` I would hope that a wise Latina woman , with the richness of her experience , would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who has n't lived that life . '' She has echoed the sentiment in related talks she has given over the years . Cornyn said the remarks contrasted sharply with her pledge during her confirmation hearings to rule on cases without personal bias . `` Who is the real Judge Sonia Sotomayor ? '' he asked .
Sen. Orrin Hatch says nominee 's off-the-bench comments are troubling . Sen. John Cornyn cites `` surprisingly radical view of the law '' Vote on nomination to come soon , with approval expected . Conservative groups have been pushing senators to oppose .