Supreme Court nominee receives republican criticism

Republicans are holding firm against letting President Barack Obama pick the next Supreme Court justice after learning that Obama is nominating federal appellate judge Merrick Garland.

Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts says even though he voted for Garland when he was first confirmed in 1997, he’s opposed now. He says it’s not about the nominee, but about the process.

Roberts says Garland “may very well be a very good nominee.” Still, he says the American people should decide and not Obama.

Dr. Samuel Hoff, a professor at Delaware State University, saysit’s difficult to predict exactly what will happen in the senate; however he admits he does not see a chance of republicans reversing their position anytime soon.

“Thing is, President Obama has not really played the game like other presidents where he negotiates elements of his top priorities against this particular nomination.” He tells 47 ABC. “In other words, giving the republican a bone, so to speak, on something they want in return for this.”

Senate Republicans have insisted for weeks that they won’t hold hearings or a confirmation vote on Obama’s pick. Some Republicans have even said they’d refuse to meet with Obama’s nominee.

Garland is expected to make the customary visit to Capitol Hill to meet with senators Thursday.

The Senate is planning a two-week break at the end of the week.