Sen. Ben Nelson said Monday he'll vote to confirm Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"I plan to support her," the Democratic senator said during a telephone interview from Washington.

Nelson said last week he was undecided on whether he'd support President Barack Obama's first nominee to the high court.

The Senate is expected to vote Wednesday.

In reaching his decision, Nelson said, he was impressed by the solid endorsement of the American Bar Association and by Sotomayor's extensive experience as a judge.

"The record shows she is not an activist," he said, and that she has "a great respect for the law."

Nelson said he's satisfied Sotomayor would not bring "personal bias or an agenda" to the Supreme Court.

The ABA found her record demonstrated "adherence to (judicial) precedent," he said.

Despite concerns raised by the National Rifle Association, Nelson said, he's convinced Sotomayor recognizes "the individual's Second Amendment right to bear arms."

Nelson noted that he previously voted to confirm both of President George W. Bush's Supreme Court nominees, John Roberts and Samuel Alito.

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.