Flake does not foresee heavy Democratic opposition to Supreme Court pick Gorsuch

PHOENIX — Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) said Monday he does not foresee a heavy political push by Democrats to block the nomination of President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court pick, Neil Gorsuch.

“A number of Democrats just don’t want to go down that road. They’re saying ‘Let’s fight on another hill, not this one,'” Flake told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac & Gaydos on Monday.

Flake, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he expects a few Democrats to dig their heels in to the proverbial hill, but many of them will follow the example of Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).

During Gorsuch’s introduction Monday, Bennet mostly praised Gorsuch. Though he said he had a few questions about Merrick Garland — who was nominated by former President Barack Obama and never received a hearing — Bennet said he would “keep an open mind” about the Colorado judge from the other side of the aisle.

“He said some very good things about Neil Gorsuch so it would be difficult to make that kind of statement and then turn around and say ‘Hey, I don’t think he’s qualified,'” Flake said of Bennet’s comments.

Flake also said he thinks Gorsuch will eventually don the robes because Democrats offered little opposition when he was appointed to the 10th Circuit of Appeals.

“He’s accomplished, he’s mainstream and I think he’ll be appointed to the court,” Flake said.