Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet said Monday he opposes filibustering Judge Neil Gorsuch, the Supreme Court nominee who also hails from the state.
“Neither Republicans nor Democrats are blameless for where things stand in our politics and on this nomination. But at some point, we need to take the long view and stand up for our institutions,” Bennet said in a statement. “Using the filibuster and nuclear option at this moment takes us in the wrong direction. I have spent the past several weeks trying to avoid this outcome. Changing the Senate rules now will only further politicize the Supreme Court and prevent the Senate from blocking more extreme judges in the future.
“I will oppose efforts to filibuster the nomination, and strongly encourage my colleagues not to use the nuclear option.”
Bennet has faced intense pressure in Colorado to make a decision on Gorsuch’s nomination and whether to join his Democratic colleagues’ staunch opposition in the form of a filibuster. Bennet did not indicate Monday how he would vote on Gorsuch’s nomination when the full Senate takes up his bid, expected on Friday.
