Justice Scalia dies; Republicans don't want Obama to pick a replacement

The death of Justice Antonin Scalia Saturday plunged the Supreme Court and the nation’s politics into turmoil. An immediate battle began between Republicans and Democrats over whether President Barack Obama should nominate the next judge before he leaves office.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, said in a statement that the Senate should not confirm a replacement for Scalia until after the election.

Senators Argue About Replacement

“The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president,” McConnell said.

But the battle lines were immediately clear. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid followed McConnell’s statement with one of his own:

“It would be unprecedented in recent history for the Supreme Court to go a year with a vacant seat,” he said. “Failing to fill this vacancy would be a shameful abdication of one of the Senate’s most essential Constitutional responsibilities.”

Controversial Issues Before The Court

Scalia’s shocking death also creates doubt about the outcome of a Supreme Court term that was filled with some of the most controversial issues facing the nation. They included immigration, deportation, affirmative action, abortion, and the right of companies to not provide birth control in health insurance plans because of religious beliefs.

An eight-member court could lead to split decisions on all of those issues.

Scalia, 79, was the court’s second-oldest and longest-serving justice, having joined the court in 1986. He was the cornerstone of the modern conservative legal establishment, and known as a brilliant writer and sharp critic.

Scalia Died On A Hunting Trip

He died while on a hunting trip in Texas.

“On behalf of the court and retired justices, I am saddened to report that our colleague Justice Antonin Scalia has passed away,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said in a statement. Word of Scalia’s death was reported by news outlets in Texas.

“He was an extraordinary individual and jurist, admired and treasured by his colleagues. His passing is a great loss to the court and the country he so loyally served. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Maureen and his family.”

Condolences To Judge's Family

The White House issued a statement from principal deputy press secretary Eric Schultz:

“This afternoon the President was informed of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. The President and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to Justice Scalia’s family. We’ll have additional reaction from the President later today.”