PORTLAND (AP) – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins says a private discussion with Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor focused on her 2001 speech in which she hoped the rulings of a “wise Latina woman” would be better than those of a white male without similar experiences.

After the 45-minute meeting Thursday, the Maine Republican released a statement saying she’s been troubled by Sotomayor’s remark. Collins said the federal appeals judge described it as being part of her “aspirational speeches,” rather than her approach to deciding cases.

Collins said Sotomayor has a compelling life story and a long record on the bench. The senator said she looks forward to a timely, fair and open confirmation process and will reserve final judgment until the Judiciary Committee completes its hearings.

AP-ES-06-04-09 1813EDT