WASHINGTON — Among the possibilities to replace Justice Antonin Scalia’s seat on the U.S. Supreme Court, Barack Obama is reportedly considering a Republican governor who identifies as “pro-choice.”
According to reports, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval is among those that Obama is vetting for the nomination.
Sandoval, formerly served as a federal judge after being nominated to the bench by then-President George W. Bush. In 2005, he was confirmed by the Senate unanimously after being praised by both Democrats and Republicans.
Sandoval left his work as a judge to run for governor in 2010, and defeated Rory Reid, the son of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, in the battle for the job.
While running for governor, while expressing approval for restrictions on abortion, Sandoval identified as “pro-choice.”
“I am pro-choice,” his campaign website read. “I oppose partial-birth abortion, late term abortion and federal funding for abortion. I support parental notification prior to a minor receiving an abortion and am against transporting minors across state lines for abortions.”
Other reports state that Sandoval personally disagrees with abortion but believes mothers should have the “choice” whether to end the life of their child in the womb.
Similarly, while Sandoval personally believes that marriage is between a man and a woman, he abandoned an appeal in defense of his state’s constitutional amendment last February after facing a legal challenge in federal court.
“Based upon the advice of the attorney general’s office and their interpretation of relevant case law, it has become clear that this case is no longer defensible in court,” he said.
Sandoval believes that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges is the law and must be followed.
In 2013, he signed a type of hate crimes bill that would mandate harsher sentences for those who commit a crime against transgendered individuals.
While those close to Obama’s vetting process have confirmed that Sandoval is under consideration, Sandoval’s staff says that the White House has not yet contacted him about the matter. The selection process is still in its early stages and other possible nominees are also being weighed.
“First and foremost, the person I appoint will be eminently qualified,” Obama wrote for SCOTUSblog on Wednesday. “He or she will have an independent mind, rigorous intellect, impeccable credentials, and a record of excellence and integrity. I’m looking for a mastery of the law, with an ability to hone in on the key issues before the court, and provide clear answers to complex legal questions.”
“I seek judges who approach decisions without any particular ideology or agenda, but rather a commitment to impartial justice, a respect for precedent, and a determination to faithfully apply the law to the facts at hand,” he said.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has vowed to ignore any nominee that Obama nominates as it believes the selection should be made by Obama’s successor.
“I don’t know how many times we need to keep saying this: The Judiciary Committee has unanimously recommended to me that there be no hearing. I’ve said repeatedly and I’m now confident that my conference agrees that this decision ought to be made by the next president, whoever is elected,” Senate Majority Mitch McConnell declared on Tuesday.
Become a Christian News Network Supporter...
Dear Reader, has ChristianNews.net been of benefit and a blessing to you? For many years now, the Lord has seen fit to use this small news outlet as a strong influential resource in keeping Christians informed on current events from a Biblical worldview. With much compromise and many falsehoods in modern-day Christianity, we strive to bring you the news by keeping Christ and His word in focus. If you have benefited from our news coverage, please prayerfully consider becoming a Christian News supporter by clicking here to make a one-time or monthly donation to help keep the truth of God's word widely and freely published and distributed. May Christ continue to be exalted through this work!
