SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor is a popular point of discussion these days. Especially since she has drawn fire from conservative opponents who say she is a racist.

But her younger brother Juan, a doctor in North Syracuse, was on Good Morning America to share what it was like growing up with her.

Sotomayor was described by her brother as tough as nails who would do anything to protect him. She continues to be close to her brother who finds it hard to believe that anyone could have negative things to say about her.

“If I could create a Webster Dictionary for the most insulting, derogatory, off-base comments that I've heard about a person, this is not the person that they're describing,” said the doctor.

Confirmation hearings for Sonia Sotomayor begin next month.