Gregory M. Marsh: Senators need to do their jobs

Regarding the March 17 news article “Bombing shaped nominee’s career”: As an American, a member of the Republican Party and a constituent of two Republican senators, I am deeply disappointed in the Senate’s reaction to the Supreme Court vacancy created by Justice Antonin Scalia’s death.

President Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland is his duty and obligation as president of the United States. Furthermore, Garland was widely considered a consensus nominee in 2010 when Obama nominated Justice Elena Kagan, proof that this is an elaborate, selfish and borderline childish stunt in the face of certain defeat in the presidential election.

In the unlikely event that our party is able to reclaim the White House through one of the embarrassingly inept choices we were given in the primary, we may have the opportunity to shape the course of history through a subsequent nomination. However, we must first earn that right through the democratic process.

The Republican Party’s posturing is irresponsible and lacks political precedent. The Constitution clearly states that the president nominates justices, and the Senate has the responsibility to advise and consent.

I would ask our elected officials that they, out of respect for our country and the prestigious office they hold, do their job.

This story was originally published April 9, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Gregory M. Marsh: Senators need to do their jobs."