On Wednesday morning, President Obama announced his nominee for the United States Supreme Court.
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan made the following statement:
“President Obama has submitted the name of Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Merrick Garland for the vacancy to the United States Supreme Court. In over 80 years, there has not been a nomination or confirmation of a Supreme Court justice during a presidential election year. This year should be no different.”
“This decision should be made by the voters in November when we elect our next president. Until then, I agree with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that no hearings or votes should take place.” “In fact, in 1992, then United States Senator Joe Biden, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, agreed as well when he argued:”
‘It is my view that if a Supreme Court justice resigns tomorrow or within the next several weeks, or resigns at the end of the summer, President Bush should consider following the practice of a majority of his predecessors and not – and not – name a nominee until after the November election is completed.’
“The Constitution mandates that the president submit a name, but it does not mandate that the Senate take any action.”
“These are the pivotal moments that the old saying ‘there’s no difference between a Republican and Democrat’ remind us that the statement is simply not true. The Republicans stand shoulder to shoulder in this battle for the soul of our nation’s future.”
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