Democrats are leaving Republicans "no choice" but to change Senate rules to confirm Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, according to former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H.
Ayotte called it "disappointing that we are where we are" in discussing the so-called nuclear option, but insisted Democrats have pushed the upper chamber into that position, she told CNN's "The Lead" with Jake Tapper on Monday.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has vowed Gorsuch will be confirmed if he cannot garner the 60 votes needed to prevent a filibuster by altering Senate rules so a simple majority is enough to confirm.
"They'll not allow an up or down vote on Neil Gorsuch who's exceptionally qualified . . . there is no doubt that he's qualified to serve on the court," Ayotte said.
"They they are blocking this exceptionally qualified nominee leaving Republicans no choice," she added. "They are in a situation where if you are going to block Neil Gorsuch, that means you will block anyone the Republicans nominate."
"I don't think Republicans want to change these rules, but they are being left of no opportunities for a different path here," Ayotte asserted.
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