The nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, a bright spot in the chaotic first weeks of the new Trump administration, is going so well that the federal appeals judge from Colorado could be on the high court before Easter.
Senate insiders said that Gorsuch has moved swiftly to build relations in the chamber, meeting daily with up to six senators. By the time his Judiciary Committee hearings begin, he may have met with over 60 of the 100 senators, including many Democrats who are expected to vote against his nomination.
“[T]here are strong indications that Senate Dems won’t stop [Gorsuch’s] nomination & that he will get to #SCOTUS.” https://t.co/HuHg5Qgvix
— Gorsuch Facts (@GorsuchFacts) February 13, 2017
His hearings have been set to begin March 20, clearing the way for quick action in April.
“It all depends on how he does at the hearings, and that shouldn’t be a problem,” said one Gorsuch associate.
Simply stated, Neil Gorsuch is steadfast and surprising https://t.co/ndfjOuh7bE
— Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 19, 2017
The plan is for the nomination to be submitted to the full Senate in early April where it appears likely that he will surpass the needed 60 votes to avoid a parliamentary maneuver to get him to the court. Insiders said the goal is a vote before the Easter recess which begins on April 7, two days before Palm Sunday.
Advocates have been buoyed recently by how the judge has been received. What’s more, the press coverage has been positive, the latest a profile in Sunday’s Washington Post that gives no ammo to critics.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
