HARTFORD--Connecticut's Congressional leaders are speaking their minds about the president's nomination for the Supreme Court, Chief Judge Merrick Garland.
Among those helping choose Justince Antonin Scalia's successor is U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal who is a member of the Judiciary Committee, which is the legislative body that meets with the nominee, holds a hearing and votes on the president’s pick.
Republicans hold the majority in the Senate, and GOP leaders said Wednesday the Senate Judiciary Committee would not hold hearings or meet with Merrick Garland because they want the country's new president to make the choice, not the outgoing one.
Blumenthal, a Democrat, is praising Obama's nominee and calling on Republicans to do what he says is their job.
“I think he deserves a hearing,” said Blumenthal. “That's the bottom line here. The Judiciary Committee where I serve should schedule a hearing after Judge Garland meets with all the members of that committee, report and vote on the nomination."
Blumenthal went on to say, “I've known him for many years and I think he is a nominee of impeccable intellect and integrity. He certainly deserves a hearing. "
Blumenthal says he will meet with Garland and scrutinize his record.