McCain, Flake signal support for Gorsuch’s nomination to Supreme Court
Mar 24, 2017, 5:31 AM
(AP Photos)
(AP Photos)
PHOENIX — Arizona Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake are ready to confirm President Donald Trump’s nominee for Supreme Court justice, according to The Weekly Standard.
When asked about what Republicans would do if Senate Democrats attempt to block the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch, McCain had a simple answer: “I think we’ll address it when it happens. None of us want to do it, but we’re going to confirm Gorsuch.”
Flake agreed, saying “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, but I think we’ll get him confirmed.”
On Thursday, Senate Democrats vowed to lead a filibuster against Gorsuch, claiming he’s a threat to a wide range of civil rights and think he was too evasive during 20 hours of questioning.
The Democratic leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer of New York, was among five senators to declare their opposition to Gorsuch Thursday, even before the Judiciary Committee hearing on the nomination had ended.
Schumer said he would lead a filibuster against Gorsuch, criticizing him as a judge who “almost instinctively favors the powerful over the weak.” Schumer said the 49-year-old Coloradan would not serve as a check on Trump or be a mainstream justice.
“I have concluded that I cannot support Neil Gorsuch’s nomination,” Schumer said on the Senate floor. “My vote will be no and I urge my colleagues to do the same.”
But Republicans who control the Senate are expected to ensure Gorsuch reaches the bench, perhaps before the middle of April.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
