How much input do you suppose Senate Republicans had in the SCOTUS pick?

[Junkdrawer]

Something like "Here's our final seven picks...to which will you give the least resistance?"

:shrug:

[AlinPA]

1. Probably zero. If Obama had picked Orin Hatch they would have said no. There

is no hope of working with them.

[TygrBright]

2. Not a lot. Sotomayor was rumored to be on the short list way back during the campaign.

There was a lot of "informed speculation" that she would be the nominee when the first vacancy happened.

I'm assuming that President Obama was compiling a list way back during the early days of his planning for a run, since one question that would be raised early on would be "who's on your short list."

Sotomayor topped the short list as early as last April or May, I think.

I'm sure that in compiling that short list, he asked some of his GOPpie colleagues from the Senate what they thought of various possibilities. I'm equally certain that he asked for the purpose of determining his strategy for getting what he wants, rather than for figuring out what they'd "let" him get by with.

It's going to be an interesting confirmation process.

thoughtfully,
Bright

[monmouth]

8. I think you're right and I also think Sotomayor thought at that time, she

would make the finals. The reasons I am thinking this; if you look at pics of her back, maybe last year or before, she was much heavier. I know this sounds like female BS, but if I thought it was remotely possible that this opportunity could come my way...The diet would be on my short list. She looks much lighter now than she did back then. Just an observation, I love her and her smile...

[WI_DEM]

3. well the way they are circling the wagons against her I would say not much.

[Bucky]

6. The wingnuts are out for blood. Damn few Republican senators are weighing in.

My guess is that she ends up with less than 25 no votes from the "Party of No." They're gonna save their fire for the next appointment in case it's a less business friendly name.

[EFerrari]

4. I bet Obama had it mostly locked up before announcing.

Down to three or so? :shrug:

[Bucky]

5. Orin Hatch basically picked Ginsberg & Breyer for Clinton

Clinton wanted Bruce Babbit on the bench, but went for accommodation over mudfight. I don't mind this current pick being a walk-thru. But I sure hope the next pick shows Obama isn't afraid to make a few enemies.

[Junkdrawer]

7. I'll bet some of the names on Obama's short list were far less accommodating....

than Sotomajor. Her appeals decisions seem to be well within the bounds of current SCOTUS opinion.