Former Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl to guide Trump’s Supreme Court nominee
Jul 9, 2018, 12:17 PM | Updated: 12:17 pm
PHOENIX — Jon Kyl, who served three terms as a U.S. Senator from Arizona, will be deeply involved in the confirmation process of whomever President Donald Trump nominates to the Supreme Court.
Hours before Trump was to name his nominee, the White House announced Monday that Kyl would serve as the potential justice’s “sherpa” — a guide throughout the process.
Trump was scheduled to announce his pick to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy at 6 p.m. Arizona time.
Kyl retired from the Senate seat now occupied by Jeff Flake in 2013 and has been working for Washington-based lobbying firm Covington & Burling.
Earlier this year he was enlisted by Facebook to help examine whether the social media site had a liberal bias.
Before his election to the Senate, Kyl served in the U.S. House from 1987 to 1995.
Kyl, a former member of Republican leadership, served on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The White House hopes his close ties to Senate Republicans will help smooth the path for Trump’s eventual selection to win confirmation.
Former New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte served as the sherpa for Justice Neil Gorsuch in 2017.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
