Moran statements on Supreme Court draw conservative backlash
Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran responded Friday to mounting conservative backlash to his statements that he is open to hearings on President Obama’s Supreme Court nomination.
“As I have said since the vacancy was created, I believe I have a duty to ask tough questions and demand answers,” the Republican senator said in a Friday statement. He said he opposed Judge Merrick Garland’s nomination.
“I am certain a thorough investigation would expose Judge Garland’s record and judicial philosophy, and disqualify him in the eyes of Kansans and Americans.”
I am opposed to President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee and this administration’s attempt to put another liberal judge on the Supreme Court. As I have said since the vacancy was created, I believe I have a duty to ask tough questions and demand answers.
Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran in a statement
Two western Kansas newspapers reported earlier this week that Moran said he was open to hearings on Merrick’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Most Senate Republicans have said there should be no hearings or votes on a nominee until a new president takes office in 2017.
“I think we have the responsibility to have a hearing, to have the conversation and to make a determination on the merit,” Moran told a Rotary Club meeting in Dodge City on Monday, according to the Dodge City Daily Globe. “I can’t imagine this president is going to nominate someone I find acceptable. I have a restricted view of what judges are supposed to do.”
“I think I have the responsibility to consider a nominee presented by a president and make a determination whether he or she is qualified,” he said at that meeting. “I’m willing to participate in the process. I don’t think that will happen. The decision has been made.”
A story in the Garden City Telegram also indicated Moran would support hearings and a vote on the nomination.
Criticism has mounted this week:
“This is a perfect example as to why conservative activists have no faith in their elected officials,” said FreedomWorks CEO Adam Brandon in a statement.
“Caving into President Obama, who wants to create a liberal-dominated Supreme Court as part of his legacy, is not serving the people of Kansas,” said Carrie Severino of the Judicial Crisis Network.
“We hope Senator Moran will reconsider and stand with Kansans and the American people, rather than President Obama and his liberal allies,” said a statement from Jenny Beth Martin of the Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund.
Milton Wolf, Sen. Pat Robert’s primary challenger in 2014, tweeted: “One tough question in a town hall and @JerryMoran folded like a lawn chair. Coward.”
Members of the all-Republican Kansas congressional delegation also weighed in.
Rep. Mike Pompeo of Wichita tweeted Friday: “Constitution does not require hearing on #SCOTUS nominee and conservative principles demand no hearing be held.”
Pompeo’s communications director Caroline Taylor said there shouldn’t be a Senate hearing.
“It’s not at all in any way meant to attack (Moran) or start a fight with him or anything, it’s just because the Congressman really does care about this,” Taylor said Friday afternoon. “We just don’t want somebody being appointed that might not necessarily take us toward the best future for our court and our country.”
“We don’t even want it to be brought up,” Taylor said. “(But) ultimately, it’s a Senate decision.”
Contributing: Dave Helling of the Kansas City Star
Daniel Salazar: 316-269-6791, @imdanielsalazar
This story was originally published March 25, 2016 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Moran statements on Supreme Court draw conservative backlash."