Politics

Sen. Tester Is A ‘No’ On Gorsuch Nomination

Getty Images

Kerry Picket Political Reporter
Font Size:

WASHINGTON — Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester released a statement Sunday night announcing he will oppose the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch.

“Judge Gorsuch is a smart man but that doesn’t make him right for a lifetime appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. I cannot support a nominee who refuses to answer important questions,” Tester said of the Colorado 10th Circuit Judge.

“With Judge Gorsuch on the bench, I am deeply concerned that dark money will continue to drown out the voices and votes of citizens, the Court will stand between women and their doctors, and the government will reach into the private lives of law abiding Americans.”

Tester, who is up for a third term in 2018 in a state won overwhelmingly by Donald Trump in 2016, added, “These are not Montana values, which is why I cannot support this nomination.”

Gorsuch, however, did pick up support from Indiana Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly on Saturday but failed to win over Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill.

As of Monday morning, with the support of all 52 Republicans, Gorsuch has 55 senators supporting his nomination.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell must find five more Democrats to support ending debate of the Gorsuch nomination and head toward a final up or down simple majority vote.

Otherwise, McConnell would need the majority of Republican members to change the rules to require a simple majority to end debate of a Supreme Court nominee as opposed to the current 60 vote requirement. This action would be known as the “nuclear option.”

Gorsuch is expected to be voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday morning and the full Senate will vote on his confirmation Friday.

Follow Kerry on Twitter