BOISE -- As Idaho's only Hispanic judge, Sergio Gutierrez with the Idaho Court of Appeals knows the pressure facing minorities who start to break new ground.

"It is just getting used to seeing people of color in these positions that creates pressure for minority judges or justices to perform," said Judge Gutierrez. "And not just at a higher level but at an exceptional level."

Named to the Idaho Court of Appeals in 2002, Judge Gutierrez is excited about President Obama picking Judge Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee for Supreme Court justice because she's not only Hispanic, but a woman.

And he says it marks new signs of progress for the Latino community.

"We're beginning to see Latinos emerge in the professions," he said. And that's one of the greatest achievements we can look to."

But first Judge Sotomayor must be approved, and confirmation hearings can turn nasty, as we've seen. Still, some political observers say the New York native comes to the confirmation hearings in a strong position.

"This is first Hispanic nominated, and she has a great deal of experience, " said Prof. John Freemuth with the Boise State University political science department. "Plus there are strong Democratic majorities (in Congress), they'd have to find a huge smoking gun for this person not to be approved."

And it's the first time in 15 years, a Democratic president has been able to select a Supreme Court nominee.