Tillis says choice of Scalia successor should come after Obama’s term

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina is among a chorus of Republican senators who support leaving open until next year the Supreme Court vacancy left by Antonin Scalia’s death.

“We are in midst of a great debate about the future of our country, including the future make-up of the highest court in the land, which makes decisions that affect the lives of all Americans,” Tillis said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the uninhibited expansion of President Obama’s administrative state and his penchant for executive orders that contort the rule of law suggest an utter contempt for our nation’s system of checks and balances.

“It is highly likely that the President will nominate someone who shares his views and will rubber-stamp his unilateral actions, which run counter to the original intent of our Constitution. This is why it is incumbent upon the Senate to assert its co-equal authority in the constitutionally prescribed process of determining the make-up of the highest court. I firmly believe the voice of the American people should be heavily weighted in that decision and their voice will soon be heard on Election Day. Given the current circumstances, the process of filling the Supreme Court vacancy would be best left to the next President.”

Scalia died Saturday in Texas. Obama has said that he plans to nominate a successor for Senate approval.

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 12:47 PM with the headline "Tillis says choice of Scalia successor should come after Obama’s term."