Brian Sandoval

LAS VEGAS — Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval said Thursday he is not interested in being considered for the Supreme Court vacancy — a decision that foils one route President Barack Obama might have had to breach Senate Republicans’ planned blockade of any election-year confirmation.

Sandoval, a Republican and the state’s first Hispanic governor, issued a statement the day after news broke the White House was considering him as a potential replacement for the late Justice Antonin Scalia.

“Earlier today, I notified the White House that I do not wish to be considered at this time for possible nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States,” wrote Sandoval, an abortion rights supporter and former federal judge. “The notion of being considered for a seat on the highest court in the land is beyond humbling, and I am incredibly grateful to have been mentioned.”

He offered no reason for his decision but said he also expressed his position to senators Harry Reid, Dean Heller and Mitch McConnell.

Reid’s office declined to comment, as did White House spokesman Josh Earnest, who said he would not offer detailed updates on the president’s short list.

The Senate’s vetting process for any nominee is expected to be viciously political, if hearings take place at all. Regardless of which nominee Obama settles on, “this nomination will be determined by whoever wins the presidency in the fall,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

Recommending a popular, moderate Republican would test the unified GOP caucus’ resistance.

“As far as modern contemporary Republicans go, he’s one of those that fits in the category of reasonably sane,” said Thomas McAffee, a constitutional law professor at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law. But he said throwing him into the fray would only leave resentment.

“It strikes me as very thankless place to be,” McAffee said. “Even for him, the Republicans have made up their minds that they’re not going to give the time of day for any nominee.”

Democrats have tried to keep a daily focus on the issue. On Thursday, about two dozen Democratic senators stood outside the Supreme Court and called on Republicans to consider an Obama nominee.

“We have obstruction that is on steroids,” said Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

Earnest said Obama is still reviewing material on potential candidates and consulting with lawmakers. The White House has contacted the office of every Senate Judiciary Committee member, he said.