Justice Antonin Scalia’s sudden death nearly two weeks ago leaves a spot in the Supreme Court, which President Barack Obama is trying to fill. Senate Republicans have vowed not to consider any of his candidates but that hasn’t stopped the Commander in Chief from looking.
According to the Washington Post, one of the names he’s looking at is Brian Sandoval, who became governor of Nevada in 2010. The Republican, who comes from working class Hispanic parents, alienated conservatives by accepting the Medicaid expansion from Obama’s Affordable Care Act and raising taxes in order to increase funding for underperforming public schools. He’s also pro-choice, but is considered to be anti-labor.
While his name is reportedly in the mix for the Supreme Court, White House press secretary Josh Earnest is keeping silent on confirming the news because he doesn’t want "to get into a rhythm of responding" to every name that pops up. However, he assured the press that President Obama was committed to finding "the best person to fill the vacancy at the Supreme Court," no matter the political party.
Sandoval’s spokesman also commented on the rumors, saying, "Neither Governor Sandoval nor his staff has been contacted by or talked to the Obama administration regarding any potential vetting for the vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court."
