What the Senate GOP Said About Obama's Supreme Court Pick

Conservatives naturally want a pro-life, pro-marriage, and Second Amendment-supporting U.S. Supreme Court justice to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia. 

President Barack Obama nominated a federal judge described as “moderate,” Merrick Garland. From Christian Headlines:

According to the New York Times, the President nominated Merrick B. Garland, a moderate judge who currently serves on the federal appeals court for the District of Columbia.

In explaining his choice of a judge, Obama said that Garland is “widely recognized not only as one of America’s sharpest legal minds, but someone who brings to his work a spirit of decency, modesty, integrity, even-handedness and excellence. These qualities and his long commitment to public service have earned him the respect and admiration from leaders from both sides of the aisle.”

The President added that Garland is “uniquely prepared to serve” on the Supreme Court.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate would try to block Garland.

“The American people may well elect a president who decides to nominate Judge Garland for Senate consideration. The next president may also nominate someone very different. Either way, our view is this: Give the people a voice in the filling of this vacancy.”

So what is Garland’s judicial history on abortion? Kristen Hawkins, president of Students for Life, explained why pro-lifers must oppose his nomination.

“Even though Garland has said nothing publicly about abortion nor has had any abortion rulings in his past, the abortion groups are confident that he will uphold Roe v. Wade and protect their own industry. Between Planned Parenthood and NARAL pushing this appointee, there is reason enough for pro-lifers to oppose the nomination of Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court.”

And why are news sources referring to him as a moderate? USA Today said it has more to do with method than substance.

How does Garland stand on gun rights?  

Merrick Garland is a moderate anti gun judge with zero evidence that he is a constitutional conservative #SCOTUS https://t.co/jHCHfSGkOh

— Star Parker (@StarParker) March 16, 2016

The National Rifle Association opposes Garland’s nomination.