The emptiness on the bench creates what many conservatives view as a once-in-a-generation alternative to maneuver the make-up of the courtroom from its present cut up of 5 conservative justices and 4 liberal justices to a extra dominant 6-Three majority.
Senate Republicans solely want a easy majority of 51 votes to substantiate a brand new justice as soon as one is formally nominated and there are 53 GOP senators at present, which means McConnell can solely afford to lose three Republicans. Conservatives are pushing the Senate chief behind the scenes to contemplate shifting to fill the seat earlier than November 3, doubtlessly leaving the convention divided over what timeline is greatest.
This is a have a look at how lengthy it has taken to substantiate previous Supreme Court docket justices:
Brett Kavanaugh (89 days)
President publicizes nomination: July 9, 2018
Senate receives nomination: July 10, 2018
Confirmed: October 6, 2018
Neil Gorsuch (66 days)
President publicizes nomination: January 31, 2017
Senate receives nomination: February 1, 2017
Confirmed: April 7, 2017
Elena Kagan (87 days)
President publicizes nomination: Might 10, 2010
Senate receives nomination: Might 10, 2010
Confirmed: August 5, 2010
Sonia Sotomayor (72 days)
President publicizes nomination: Might 26, 2009
Senate receives nomination: June 1, 2009
Confirmed: August 6, 2009
Samuel Alito (92 days)
President publicizes nomination: October 31, 2005
Senate receives nomination: November 10, 2005
Confirmed: January 31, 2006
John Roberts (72 days)
President publicizes nomination: July 19, 2005
Senate receives nomination: July 29, 2005
Confirmed: September 29, 2005
(Word: Roberts was nominated twice by Bush however in fast succession. The primary was to interchange Sandra Day O’Connor, however upon the loss of life of William Rehnquist, his preliminary nomination was withdrawn and resubmitted as a nomination for Chief Justice. There are 23 days between his second nomination on September 6 and his affirmation.)
Stephen Breyer (77 days)
President publicizes nomination: Might 13, 1994
Senate receives nomination: Might 17, 1994
Confirmed: July 29, 1994
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (50 days)
President publicizes nomination: June 14, 1993
Senate receives nomination: June 22, 1993
Confirmed: August 3, 1993
Clarence Thomas (106 days)
President publicizes nomination: July 1, 1991
Senate receives nomination: July 8, 1991
Confirmed: October 15, 1991