Moran backs McConnell’s decision to hold vote on Trump’s nominee to replace Ginsburg
Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran agrees with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that the U.S. Senate should hold a vote this year on President Donald Trump’s nominee to succeed Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Ginsburg, the second woman appointed to nation’s high court, passed away Friday at the age of 87 after a battle with cancer.
Lawmakers of both parties offered condolences to Ginsburg’s family and appreciation for her legacy as a legal icon, but they also began positioning themselves for a coming battle over the confirmation of a successor to the liberal icon.
McConnell, R-Kentucky, announced Friday that the U.S. Senate would vote on Trump’s nominee this year despite the fact that just four years ago Senate Republicans refused to consider Merrick Garland, then-President Barack Obama’s nominee to replace Justice Antonin Scalia, because it was an election year.
Scalia had passed away in February of 2016, roughly nine months before that year’s election, when Republicans refused to consider a replacement. Ginsburg’s death occurred only 46 days before the election.
McConnell said in his statement that in 2016 it was “the last days of a lame-duck president’s second term.” He said that Republicans expanded their Senate majority 2018 by promising Trump’s appointments to the court.
“Once again, we will keep our promise,” McConnell said.
McConnell made his statement before Trump had even learned of Ginsburg’s death — but after it had already been reported by ABC News that the president would nominate a replacement in the coming days. Told by reporters of Ginsburg’s death after a rally in Minnesota, Trump said he was sad to hear the news.
“She led an amazing life. What else can you say?” he said.
Moran issued a statement on Friday night expressing his appreciation for Ginsburg’s legacy.
“Justice Ginsburg was a trailblazer, tackling each challenge with passion, dedication and extraordinary intellect. She served her country with honor and had an historic impact on the court and the nation. Robba and I are praying for her family,” Moran said in a statement, which did not address the timeline for replacing Ginsburg.
However, Moran’s spokesman confirmed in a text message moments later that Moran “agrees with Leader McConnell’s decision.” Moran opposed hearings for Garland in 2016 after he faced pressure from conservative groups.
Other senators from the region were silent on that point on Friday night.
Kansas’ other Republican senator, Pat Roberts, praised Ginsburg’s service in a statement, but his office declined to comment Friday on whether a vote on Ginsburg should take place this year.
“Franki and I are saddened by the news of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing. Justice Ginsburg’s service and dedication to our nation’s highest court was admirable, and the legacy she leaves behind will never be forgotten,” Roberts said in a statement.
Roberts is retiring in January after 40 years in Congress. If a vote on a successor to Ginsburg takes place this year, it will be one of his final votes and one of his most significant.
Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley expressed condolences to Ginsburg’s family on Twitter, but he did not take a position on whether a successor should be confirmed this year. Hawley sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will vet any nominee.
Hawley, a former clerk to Chief Justice John Roberts, was also included on Trump’s list of potential nominees to the court released last week, but he said that he had no interest in serving on the court.
Democrats warned against any effort to confirm a justice this year as the election approaches.
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, noted that it was Ginsburg’s dying wish to be replaced after the next president had been selected and reminded his colleagues of McConnell’s position four years ago.
“Senator McConnell pleaded with us to let the voters have the last word. Every member of the Senate should be asked to commit to the McConnell rule,” Durbin said.
This story was originally published September 18, 2020 at 10:07 PM with the headline "Moran backs McConnell’s decision to hold vote on Trump’s nominee to replace Ginsburg."
