Rubio supports Trump's authority to nominate Justice to Supreme Court

With Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins having come out against President Donald Trump’s impending appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, other more conservative members of the Republican Senate caucus are coming out in support of an up or down vote.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) is supporting the president’s call to nominate someone to the court before the election, but also noted that he would “withhold consent” of the nominee if he believes the candidate is not qualified after he reviews their entire record.

“In 2016, President Obama exercised his Constitutional duty and nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, and the Senate exercised its Constitutional obligation and decided not to consent,” Rubio said. “Now, President Trump should exercise his duty to name a nominee. And the Senate should once again exercise its Constitutional obligation and decide whether or not to consent to his choice.”

“I will review the record of President Trump’s nominee, and I will provide my consent if I find they are qualified and will respect the law as written,” Rubio continued. “If I conclude they do not meet this standard, as I did in 2016, I will withhold consent. And unlike President Obama in 2016, President Trump is on the ballot and can be rewarded or held accountable for his choice in November.”

Sen. Cory Gardner (R), a close friend of Rubio’s who is also facing a strong reelection challenge this year, tweeted that he supports Trump’s “constitutional authority to nominate a judge for the Supreme Court” and would continue to “support judicial nominees who will protect our Constitution.”  Sen. Gardner also stated he would vote to confirm if “a qualified nominee” meets the standards of a Supreme Court Justice.