Arkansas Senators oppose block of Clinton nominees, but don’t expect good ones

U.S. Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton do not agree with a strategy to block any potential Supreme Court nominee of Hillary Clinton, but both say they would have a hard time support her nominees if she is elected president.

“Whoever the president is, whoever they nominate, I will take case by case and judge them based on merits,” Boozman said through his Senate campaign.

Referring to President Barack Obama’s nominee to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia, he said, “I met with Merrick Garland, but I knew I couldn’t support him. I will not be a rubber stamp for anyone’s nominees. And based on Hillary’s criteria, it would be very difficult to see her nominating a strict constitutionalist.”

Cotton told Politico, “I’ll consider any nominee on his or her own merits,” the website reported Thursday. Cotton reportedly referred to the qualifications listed by Clinton in the third presidential debate – a commitment to gay marriage and abortion, and her opposition to the Citizens United campaign finance ruling. He called it a “long list of left-wing priorities.”

“She did not use the word ‘Constitution,’” he said. “If that’s her approach, (it’s) hard for me to imagine supporting any of her nominees.”

He said Donald Trump has said he would nominate justices who would follow the Constitution.

At least three Senate Republicans – U.S. Sens. John McCain of Arizona, Ted Cruz of Texas, and Richard Burr of North Carolina – have said they would oppose or suggested they could oppose any Clinton nominee.

The Court remains split, 4-4, after the Republican Senate has refused to hold hearings on Garland. Some Republicans have discussed holding hearings during the lame-duck session if Clinton wins.

Boozman has consistently stated his opposition to lame-duck hearings and reiterated that opposition Thursday, saying through his campaign, “Yes, there is an 80 year precedent of this. The American people will speak next Tuesday, and we will hear their voices.”

Asked about holding those hearings, Cotton said the Senate should wait to see what happens in the election.

“We’re going to confirm someone from Donald Trump’s list of nominees,” he told Politico.