So far, two GOP Senators oppose President Trump's plan to nominate a judge to potentially replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski joining Maine's Susan Collins in saying they do not support the plan to vote on a potential Ginsburg replace before election day on Nov. 3.
On Sunday, Murkowski saying, “I did not support taking up a nomination eight months before the 2016 election to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Justice Scalia. We are now even closer to the 2020 election, less than two months out, and I believe the same standard must apply.”
In a statement Collins wrote, “in fairness to the American people...the decision on a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court should be made by the President who is elected on November 3rd.”
Collins is facing a tough re-election battle in Maine this year. Real Clear Politics says she's down 5 points to her Democrat challenger. So, she's in a political battle for survival and doesn't want to be tied too closely to President Trump. Neither does Murkowski. She faces re-election in Alaska in 2022. A recent poll there says her approval rating is only 29%.
Both Collins and Murkowski have been considered RINOs for years (Republicans in name only), often speaking out against the President. Murkowski has even said she's not sure if she's going to vote Trump on election day. Collins has said the same.
Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats. So, the could still get a nomination of the High Court. The next big question will be about Utah Senator Mitt Romney. He loves being a thorn in the President's side. Will he try it on a Ginsburg replacement?