Brian Sandoval, the Nevada Governor and former federal judge who was reportedly being considered by President Barack Obama for the Supreme Court vacancy, has taken himself out of contention against the backdrop of resolve of Senate Republicans not to consider any Obama nominee for the post.
“Earlier on Friday I notified the White House that I do not wish to be considered at this time for possible nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States,” Sandoval said in a statement issued on Thursday, adding: “The notion of being considered for a seat on the highest court in the land is beyond humbling and I am incredibly grateful to have been mentioned.” A Republican, chosen apparently because he would resolve a Senate deadlock over confirmation, Sandoval said he has also spoken to Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell as well as Nevada’s two Senators, Democrat Harry Reid and Republican Dean Heller, conveying the same view that he would like to be kept out of consideration.
McConnell had on Tuesday ruled out any Senate consideration of announced of an Obama nominee in place of the late Justice Antonin Scalia after the 11 Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee decided against holding any hearing or vote on the issue, saying the nomination should be left to the next president.