Democrats in states that supported President Donald Trump could be a factor in Sen. Chuck Schumer's decision on whether to support Judge Neil Gorsuch as Trump's Supreme Court pick, according to the Washington Examiner.
Five Democrats in the Senate are considered vulnerable, with eight more possibly in play in the next congressional election in 2018. Schumer could endanger those Democrats further if he resists Gorsuch's nomination, or he could alienate them if he chooses to support Gorsuch.
The New York Democrat has not revealed his decision about Gorsuch, but he has slammed the judge's record, saying he sides with corporations. He said he would call on a filibuster, which would mean 60 votes to confirm Gorsuch. Republicans only control 52 Senate votes, the Examiner reported.
"Judge Neil Gorsuch, throughout his career, has repeatedly sided with corporations over working people, demonstrated a hostility to women's rights, and most troubling, hewed to an ideological approach to jurisprudence that makes me skeptical that he can be a strong and independent justice on the court," Schumer said on the Senate floor, according to the Examiner.
Democrats from states that Trump won might not be in for such difficulty if they communicate clearly their opinions on Gorsuch after due diligence.
"They might be fine, regardless of what their Democratic colleagues do," Jennifer Duffy, senior editor at Cook Political Report told the Examiner.
Gorsuch will meet this week with four Democratic senators who are up for reelection, The Washington Times reports.
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