Tom Cotton Says He Took Himself Out Of Consideration For Supreme Court

Topline

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said Sunday that the Senate will move “without delay” to confirm a replacement for the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg but that he has taken himself out of contention for the position.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“President Trump’s nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate,” McConnell said in a statement shortly after Ginsburg’s death on Friday.

Big Number

44. That’s how many days there are until the election, while the average Supreme Court nomination since 1975 has taken 69 days. However, Republicans likely have the ability to rush through a nominee before the election, and even if they do not, McConnell has not ruled out confirming one during the lame duck period.

What To Watch For

McConnell will need to close ranks at a time when several Republicans are highly vulnerable in their November elections. With a 53-seat majority, he can afford to lose only four members. Sen. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the appointment “should be made by the President who is elected on Nov. 3,” but did not rule out voting for a Trump nominee. In an encouraging sign for McConnell, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who is struggling in his reelection bid, said he will support Trump’s nominee. Other critical votes – Sens. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) – have not yet commented on how they would vote.