The question is, does Mitch have the votes to confirm a nominee????
The GOP is in control by 53 to 47, but Murkowski of Alaska has said she won’t vote on a nominee before the election. So that brings us down to 52. Any other defectors, holding to some principles that we should wait till after the election to deal with this? Collins, McSally, Joni Ernst, Thom Tillis, Mitt Romney?
I hope McConnell wouldn’t have made such a statement if he doesn’t have the committments from enough Republicans to make it happen. Very soon, he will have to put up or shut up.
Murkowsky made that statement before Ginsburg died. If she sinks the nomination she’s done.
Too bad there isn’t a female from Alaska that he could nominate. Then see McClosky refuse to vote for her before the election.
You still got to give it a shot. Twist arms and make promises. What does he have to lose? Even if not confirmed he’s no worse off that if he hadn’t of given it a try.
It’s an election year. He will have the votes.
any Republican running this year for reelection to the senate will be toast if they don’t vote for the candidate put forth to take Ginsburg’s place..
They only need 48 to beat the Democrats as long as RINO's don't actively vote against. If the RINO's just sit out the vote they can lose 5 RINO's.
Much as I dislike Pierre Delecto, he has been good about voting for judicial nominees.
Collins is toast in Maine. She has no reason not to vote for the nominee. We can offer her a well paid position at some conservative think tank as a reward for sticking with the team.....it was the same deal that one Democrat Senator from North Dakota got last time for voting against Kavanaugh.
Voting for a Strict Constructionist to replace RBG will be popular here in North Carolina so Tillis will be on board.
I dunno about McSally but it looks like she is toast in Arizona. Offer her the same thing as Collins. Its not a bad deal for someone who lost a Senate race and looks set to lose another in a red state......ie she doesn’t appear to have a viable political career.
Murkowski will vote against because she’s not really a Republican. We need to primary her again.
So I see one defection. I think the others will hold - and we can afford 3 total. We have an ace in the hole here....Mike Pence gets to vote to break any ties in our favor.
plus sasse, gardner
“The GOP is in control by 53 to 47, but Murkowski of Alaska has said she won’t vote on a nominee before the election. So that brings us down to 52.”
Murkowski said she wouldn’t vote BEFORE the election which leaves her open to vote AFTER the election . Trump is President until January 17th and the Republicans have 75 days after the election to fill that position and I have no doubt whatsoever it will be filled by a Republican.
Even tho I am convinced Trump will win, if by some chance he doesn’t there is even a greater likelihood the Senate fills that position before the inauguration.