Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski Says She Opposes SCOTUS Nominee Vote Before Election

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said Sunday that she opposes the Senate voting on a Supreme Court nominee ahead of the November election, reiterating comments she made hours before Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death on Friday.

“For weeks, I have stated that I would not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancy this close to the election,” Murkowski said in a statement Sunday. “Sadly, what was then a hypothetical is now our reality, but my position has not changed.”

“I did not support taking up a nomination eight months before the 2016 election to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Justice [Antonin] Scalia,” she continued. “We are now even closer to the 2020 election — less than two months out — and I believe the same standard must apply.”

Murkowski joins Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) in breaking with their party’s leadership on the matter. President Donald Trump and many of his Republican allies have called for the vacant seat created by Ginsburg’s death to be filled quickly.

Hours after Ginsburg’s death Friday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R- Ky.) vowed to hold a vote on Trump’s nominee. Trump said Saturday that he intends to nominate a woman for the position this week.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.