Ginsburg's death elevates the Supreme Court's future as an election battle

The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg injects another layer of controversy into an already contentious presidential election, as the composition of the nation’s highest court hangs in the balance.

Ginsburg, nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1993, was an anchor of the court’s liberal bloc. Her passing while a Republican sits in the White House less than 50 days out from the election sets the stage for a brutal confirmation hearing. President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have given every indication they would attempt to fill any Supreme Court vacancy that occurred this year, though they could face Republican defections.