Critics of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor are raising concerns about her judgment ahead of next week's confirmation hearings.

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell is criticizing Sotomayor's recent part in an appeals court ruling.

She dismissed the challenge of white firefighters in New Haven, Conn., who alleged reverse discrimination. But the Supreme Court recently overturned her decision.

McConnell says Sotomayor's decision was affected by her own agenda and possibly influenced by her service with Hispanics in job discrimination cases.

"It is a troubling philosophy for any judge - let alone one nominated to our highest court - to convert empathy into favoritism for particular groups," McConnell said.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will open hearings Monday, July 13, on Sotomayor's nomination to replace Justice David Souter.

If confirmed, she would be the first Hispanic to serve on the nation's highest court.