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All Eyes On Idaho Senators Following Death Of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

DB King
/
Flickr Creative Commons

Following the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Senator Jim Risch and Senator Mike Crapo issued statements recognizing her decades of work, but noting their political differences.

 

Political science professor Charles Hunt says those differences are important in deciding the timing of her replacement. 

“Politics at the end of the day is about power," said Hunt. "And Republicans appear to have the power they need at the moment to do what they want.”

Hunt said if Republicans push to fill the vacancy before the election, the impact would be felt nationwide. 

“Replace someone like Justice Ginsburg who had an enormous amount of seniority and sway over the court to be replaced by her ideological opposite ... I think it's hard to argue that wouldn't have an effect for cases coming out of Idaho," said Hunt.

Now, just weeks before the election,Senator Risch told KTVB Sunday his vote would not depend “on the calendar” but on the nominee. 

Senator Crapo released a statement saying he will vote when “they have established a well-qualified candidate.” 

President Donald Trump could announce his nomination later this week.

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