Dick Durbin: “The letter described the Republicans' obstruction as ``a clear perversion of your constitutional duties as understood by…”

“The letter described the Republicans' obstruction as ``a clear perversion of your constitutional duties as understood by almost every scholarly authority on the topic and by most Americans.'' The letter said that the Constitution ``does not give a select few Senators veto power over the President's role in selecting and nominating a candidate. The Senate's duty is to evaluate a nominee's fitness and qualifications, not to pick the President making the nomination.'' I agree with that statement. By unilaterally refusing to give any consideration to any nominee made by this President, Senate Republicans are trying to stop this President from fulfilling his constitutional responsibility to nominate and appoint Supreme Court Justices under article II, section 2. They did it in secret in a back room, behind closed doors. Why are they so afraid to give President Obama's nominee a fair hearing? Are they concerned that if the nominee is well qualified and they turn that person down, it will reflect poorly on the Senate Republicans? The Senate Republican process of secrecy and obstruction is inconsistent with the Constitution. It does a disservice to the Supreme Court, to the President, and to the American people. I raised a point last week which is worth returning to. The argument is made that the next President should pick the nominee to fill this vacancy.…”