Collins Says Senate Should Hold Off On Supreme Court Vote Until After Election—And Winner Should Make Pick

“In order for the American people to have faith in their elected officials, we must act fairly and consistently—no matter which political party is in power,” Collins said in the statement.

Collins acknowledged Trump has the constitutional authority to nominate someone to fill the vacancy, and said she would have no objection to the Senate Judiciary Committee to begin reviewing a candidate’s credentials.

However, Collins said she drew the line at having a Senate vote to confirm a Trump nominee prior to Election Day.

“In fairness to the American people, who will either be re-electing the president or electing a new one, the decision on a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court should be made by the president who is elected on November 3rd,” Collins said in a statement.

Still, Collins did not specify whether or not she would vote for a Trump nomination for the Supreme Court before Election Day if it came down to it.