A test for the GOP?
WASHINGTON — The possible choice of Nevada Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval for the Supreme Court vacancy would give President Barack Obama a shot at breaking Senate Republicans’ planned blockade of any election-year confirmation.
Sandoval, Nevada’s first Hispanic governor and a supporter of abortion rights, would test the unified GOP caucus’ insistence that voters in November and the next president make the lifetime appointment to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia. The White House is considering the 52-year-old Sandoval, two people familiar with the process said Wednesday.
Still, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said that regardless of whom Obama nominates, likely in the next few weeks, “This nomination will be determined by whoever wins the presidency in the fall.”
Senate Democrats are intent on pressuring Republicans and plan to stand in front of the Supreme Court at noon today and renew their demand the Senate consider the president’s nominee, with hearings and a vote.
The choice of Sandoval would upend the political dynamic and challenge the GOP. Last week, Nevada Sen. Dean Heller, a Republican, said Nevadans should have a voice in approving a selection — which his aides said meant the next president, not Obama, should fill the vacancy.
Liberal groups made clear within hours on Wednesday they would have serious problems with the selection.
“Sandoval’s checkered history on reproductive freedom should raise some serious flags — it certainly has for us,” said NARAL Pro-Choice America in a statement.
