Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said Thursday that his meeting with Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland has not persuaded him to call for a hearing or vote this year.
“Because this nomination has the potential to so dramatically shift the balance of the court, I continue to believe that the Senate is fully justified in waiting until the presidential election before proceeding to fill the seat,” Flake said after the two talked in his Senate office.
Flake is among several Republican senators who have agreed to sit down with Garland, who was nominated to the high court by President Obama on March 16.
Republican Senate leaders said they won’t take up Garland’s nomination because of the looming presidential election, and the vast majority of the GOP conference backs them on the decision, despite constant pressure from Democrats in press conferences and Senate floor speeches.
Only Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Mark Kirk of Illinois have called for the nomination process to move forward.
Flake complimented Garland after the meeting.
“He is obviously a man of accomplishment and keen intellect,” Flake said. “He is also kind and engaging.”
