What would Scalia think of GOP behavior?

The U.S. Constitution is very clear about the appointment of Supreme Court justices: The President "shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint judges of the Supreme Court."

There is no mention of any other person, elected body or voters. There is no mention of delaying or blocking by the Senate; there is no mention of qualifying factors such as the length of time remaining in the resident's term. The words and the framers' intent are clear.

I feel certain that Justice Scalia, the proponent of "Originalism," would have some colorful words to describe the ironic nonsense of Sen. Mitch McConnell and the Republican presidential candidates who are calling for the current president and senate members to be denied their constitutional responsibilities, so that "voters may play a role in the choice."

Donald G. Westlake

Wheaton