Mark Kelly, the Democratic candidate in the Arizona Senate race, says the winner of the election should be immediately seated as Republicans move toward filling the Supreme Court seat left vacant by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
“Regardless of who wins, once the vote is certified here in Arizona, in accordance with the law, that person should be promptly seated to work for Arizonans. We have incredibly challenging issues we’re facing here and I think Arizona’s ready for some independent leadership,” Kelly said.
He added, “They’re concerned about health care, pre-existing conditions. They’re concerned about protecting Social Security and Medicare. So in accordance with the law, when the election is done, I think it’s important that if I was to win that I get sworn.”
Co-host Sunny Hostin noted there had been calls by Democrats to “fight back.” They are also discussing expanding the Supreme Court in the future or getting rid of the filibuster.
She asked Kelly if it would be the right move.
“I don’t think so. I mean, this really shouldn’t be part of the discussion. It’s also very hypothetical and it’s kind of more of the same stuff from a broken Washington,” Kelly said.
Watch his comments below:
.@CaptMarkKelly reflects on the legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, calling her an “icon” and applauding her accomplishments “with regards to women’s rights and civil rights.” https://t.co/uQGC4j7Fby pic.twitter.com/L5Vv9AQeAv
— The View (@TheView) September 23, 2020
He added, “I think what they should be focused on is how about a COVID relief bill. These threats are not what Washington should be focused on at this time. Republicans and Democrats should be really focused on trying to solve this crisis.”
Efforts by Democrats to stop President Donald Trump from filling Ginsburg’s seat have not gone unrecognized by his administration.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters during her press briefing on Tuesday if they do not get their way, “Democrats will blow up the system. They will change the system. They will trample on the Constitution.”
Trump said on Monday he would announce his pick on Saturday, as IJR previously reported.
