Romney backs pre-election Supreme Court vote, paving way for McConnell, Trump
By Jordain Carney - 09/22/20 10:02 AM EDT
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) signaled on Tuesday that he is open to confirming a Supreme Court nominee this year, solidifying GOP support for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) vow to hold a vote on President Trump's nominee.
“The Constitution gives the President the power to nominate and the Senate the authority to provide advice and consent on Supreme Court nominees. Accordingly, I intend to follow the Constitution and precedent in considering the President’s nominee. If the nominee reaches the Senate floor, I intend to vote based upon their qualifications," Romney said in a statement.
Romney's decision is a blow to Senate Democrats and a boon to McConnell, with both sides watching him closely as a potential swing vote on bringing up whomever Trump nominates to fill the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat just weeks before a presidential election.
more
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/517533-romney-says-hes-open-to-confirming-supreme-court-nominee-this-yea