Al D’Amato, the former state representative of New York, honored Sonia Sotomayor when she named as candidate for the United States district court, as nominated by former President George HW Bush. According to the former US president, Sotomayor, who is an outstanding intellect on the court, is also an excellent justice who has constantly showed compassion and good judgment.

Previously, Alphonse D’Amato was praised for his support for Sonia Sotomayor in his re-election campaign in 1998, when he organized the confirmation of Sotomayor to the US Court of Appeals.

Beginning 1981 up to 1999, D’Amato was the Republican Senator and representative of the state of New York. In addition to this, he also served as the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs chairman.

Following the 18 years that he served as Senator, Alphonse D’Amato has remained inclined to politics. In fact, in 1999, he formed his lobbying business called Park Strategies.

Aside from his political dealings, he also acts as the head of a nonprofit group that focuses on the rights of America poker players, Poker Player Alliance (PPA). The 72-year old Italian-American also dabbles in philanthropy. In fact, he headed disaster relief programs for hurricane victims in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

At present, Alphonse D’Amato is married to Katuria Elizabeth Smith, with whom he has two children. He also has children with Penelope, his first wife.