‘Use My Words Against Me’: Lindsey Graham’s Shifting Position On Court Vacancies

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Sen. Lindsey Graham has walked back repeated statements that a Supreme Court should not be filled in a presidential election year.

Jim Bourg/AP

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Jim Bourg/AP

Graham later walked back those remarks. This spring, Graham said circumstances had changed since Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., blocked the appointment of Merrick Garland during the last year of Barack Obama’s presidential term.

«Merrick Garland was a different situation, Graham said on Full Court Press with Greta Van Susteren, as reported by The Hill. «You had the president of one party nominating, and you had the Senate in the hands of the other party. A situation where you’ve got them both would be different. I don’t want to speculate, but I think appointing judges is a high priority for me in 2020.

Graham repeated his sentiment just last month, telling reporters that he was prepared to advance a nominee, even during this election year.

«Yeah. We’ll cross that bridge, Graham said, NBC News reported. «After [Brett] Kavanaugh, the rules have changed as far as I’m concerned, he said.

In a statement Friday evening, Graham expressed condolences over Ginsburg’s passing. «Justice Ginsburg was a trailblazer who possessed tremendous passion for her causes, he said. «While I had many differences with her on legal philosophy, I appreciate her service to our nation.

On Saturday morning, Trump was resolute in his call for Ginbsurg’s seat to be filled immediately. He tweeted: «We have this obligation, without delay!

A short time later, Graham responded. «I fully understand where President @realDonaldTrump is coming from, he said, retweeting the president’s comments. «As to my view of filling a Supreme Court vacancy in 2020, I’d encourage you to review these most recent statements, he added, citing his remarks to NBC News in August that «the rules have changed.

McConnell said Friday that whomever Trump nominates will get a Senate vote. That would go against Ginsburg’s final wishes. In a statement dictated to her granddaughter just days before her death, Ginsburg urged delaying a vote to fill her seat. «My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed, she said.