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Ark. politicians release statements on Obama's Supreme Court nominee

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) issued the following statement today after President Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland for the Supreme Court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) issued the following statement today after President Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland for the Supreme Court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. 

WASHINGTON – Arkansas senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton issued statements after President Barack Obama nominated Judge Marrick Garland for the Supreme Court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

Sen. John Boozman (R):

“The President has a Constitutional right to nominate a candidate to fill this vacancy, but the Senate has made it clear that we do not intend move forward on it. The Constitution clearly defines the roles of each branch and the President's ends with selecting a candidate for the vacancy.

For Senator Reid and his caucus to claim the Senate must vote on this nominee is not only a display of Constitutional ignorance, but highly hypocritical given the words and actions of Senate Democrats in previous election years and the precedent followed for decades in terms of considering Supreme Court vacancies during lame duck presidencies.

Our country is very split and we are in the midst of a highly contested presidential election. My colleagues and I are committed to giving the American people a voice in the direction the court will take for generations to come.”

Sen. Tom Cotton (R):

“In a few short months, we will have a new President and new Senators who can consider the next Justice with the full faith of the people. Why would we cut off the national debate on the next Justice? Why would we squelch the voice of the populace? Why would we deny the voters a chance to weigh in on the make-up of the Supreme Court? There is no reason to do so. I respect President Obama’s right to nominate someone to the Supreme Court. But the stakes are high and we cannot rush this decision. This nomination should not be considered by the Senate at this time.”

Congressman French Hill (R):

“Just as it is the president’s right to nominate a justice, it is the Senate’s right to advise and consent on that nomination. I am confident that the leadership of our Senate will do what is in their best judgement in regard to the nominee. As I have said before, as we are in the midst of a national election, it is my personal preference that this nomination be left to our next president.”

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge (R):

“With the unfortunate passing of Justice Antonin Scalia, the future direction of the U.S. Supreme Court is at stake,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Today, President Obama has chosen to nominate Judge Merrick Garland. The President has this right, but the U.S. Senate has an equal right to advise and consent on this nomination and that right includes choosing not to act on the nomination. In the midst of a highly contested presidential election, Americans deserve their chance to weigh in on the appropriate direction for the Court, and I am optimistic that will occur in November.”

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