AP Explains: What's next with the Supreme Court vacancy?
WASHINGTON (AP) — The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is putting the Senate in unchartered political terrain. There's no recent precedent for a confirmation vote so close to a presidential election.
President Donald Trump on Saturday urged the Republican-run Senate to consider “without delay” his upcoming nomination, even with the Nov. 3 election nearing. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said there is “no doubt” the winner of that election should choose Ginsburg’s replacement.
Plans were being set in motion Saturday for a swift and highly unusual nomination and confirmation in the heart of campaign season.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was moving ahead, vowing that Trump’s nominee "will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate." Democrats say it's “hypocrisy” after McConnell refused to consider then-President Barack Obama's nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, months before the 2016 election.
There's significant risk and uncertainty ahead. Early voting is underway in some states in the races for the White House and control of Congress.
A look at the confirmation process and what we know and don't know about what's to come:
CAN THE SENATE FILL THE SEAT BEFORE THE ELECTION?
Yes, but it would require a breakneck pace. Supreme Court nominations have taken around 70 days to move through the Senate, and the last, for Brett Kavanaugh, took longer. The election is 45 days away. Yet there are no set rules for how long the process should take once Trump announces his pick, which could come in a matter of days. Some nominations have moved more quickly. It will come down to politics and vote tallies.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO CONFIRM A NOMINEE?
Only a majority. Republicans control the Senate by a 53-47 margin,...