Republican Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran says the Senate should hold hearings on President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nomination – a position contrary to his party's leadership.
"I would rather have you (constituents) complaining to me that I voted wrong on nominating somebody than saying I'm not doing my job," Moran said Monday during a town hall meeting, according to a report in
The Garden City Telegram.
"I can't imagine the president has or will nominate somebody that meets my criteria, but I have my job to do," Moran said. "I think the process ought to go forward."
But with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell having already pledged to not bring up debate on Judge Merrick Garland, Moran admitted he isn't optimistic he will be able to take any action.
Moran told the group of 10 constituents that when he first arrived in the Senate in January 2011, then-Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, told him Congress wasn't going to get anything don.
"I've never shown up to a job before saying we're not going to work," Moran told his audience.
At least 10 Republican senators have said they will meet with Garland. Sen.
Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said he will do so as a courtesy to both the judge and the president, but will tell the judge he will not be confirmed.
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