Sen. Kirk sets meeting with Supreme Court nominee Garland
Republican Sen. Mark Kirk is scheduled to meet Tuesday with U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Merrick Garland, his office confirmed Friday.
Kirk's openness to considering President Barack Obama's pick to replace Justice Antonin Scalia puts Kirk at odds with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, and much of his own party. They've said they will not confirm a Supreme Court nomination with an election looming.
"The Senate's constitutionally defined role to provide advice and consent is as important as the president's role in proposing a nominee, and I will assess Judge Merrick Garland based on his record and qualifications," Kirk said in an earlier statement.
Garland, chief judge of the U. S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and a Lincolnwood native, is seen as a centrist nominee with the potential to win over more conservative lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Kirk faces a tough re-election bid against Democratic Rep. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, who has sought to tie Kirk to McConnell.