Narrow Space to Prevent a SCOTUS Coup by GOP

Some key recent quotes from Republicans who some think might vote against rushing to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court.

Senator Lisa Murkowski, just yesterday:
“I would not vote to confirm a Supreme Court nominee. We are 50 some days away from an election.”

Senator Chuck Grassley in May:
“You can’t have one rule for Democratic presidents and another rule for Republican presidents.”

Senator Susan Collins very recently:
“I think that’s too close, I really do,” when asked about appointing a justice in October.

#RBGRIP, But McConnell is Wasting No Time. We Must Act.

The news of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death had barely broken when Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell announced that he would move swiftly to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court. As of this writing, President Donald Trump has issued a statement on RBG’s death (which he obviously didn’t write), but not about his plans for replacing her. It doesn’t take much imagination to envision the glee with which he received the news.

Doubtless, in Trump’s mind, the foremost question is whether it is more to his advantage to push for her replacement before the election or hold out until after. McConnell is likely pondering a similar question. Pushing hard for a quick replacement could be seen as securing more goodwill among potential Trump and down-ballot Republican voters. Holding off until after the election could motivate more votes from conservatives wishing to ensure that Joe Biden does not have the chance to nominate a new Justice.