A Fair Hearing

Dear Friend,

Earlier this month, President Obama fulfilled his constitutional duty by nominating D.C. Circuit Court Chief Judge Merrick Garland for the Supreme Court. Now, it is the Senate's turn to do its job. They must fulfill their duty under the Constitution and give Judge Garland a fair hearing and a timely vote. Here are a few reasons why:

1. The Constitution is clear. While some Senate leaders have vowed total obstruction of Judge Garland's nomination, the fact is that the Senate has a constitutional obligation to give the President's nominee legitimate consideration and an up-or-down vote. The Constitution does not exempt Senators from doing their jobs simply because it is an election year.

2. Never in American history has a Senate majority threatened to refuse a confirmation vote, or even consider anyone nominated by the current President. In fact, six justices have been confirmed in presidential election years. Another 11 justices have been confirmed in non-presidential election years.

3. Both sides of the aisle have long recognized Judge Garland's outstanding judicial qualifications. He has garnered bipartisan praise as a consensus builder for years. In fact, Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, the former Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, once called Judge Garland a "consensus nominee" for the Supreme Court, and asserted that Judge Garland "would be very well supported by all sides."

The American people deserve a Senate that will adhere to the Constitution, hold hearings and vote on Judge Garland's nomination. Like my Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page to share your thoughts on President Obama's Supreme Court nomination.

Sincerely,

Mike Quigley