Article courtesy of Politico, written by Burgess Everett and Eliza Collins
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell may be holding the line, but a handful of Senate Republicans say they would meet with Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland — a sign of emerging cracks in the brick wall the GOP has presented thus far.
New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who’s facing a tough reelection fight, said that while she still opposes moving on a nomination ahead of the presidential race, she would take the time to explain her position to Garland. When the nomination was still conceptual, Ayotte had said she would not meet the nominee.
Sen. Jeff Flake, a Republican who sits on the Judiciary Committee, said he would also meet with Garland. And Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, added that she'd take a meeting with Garland. “He’s a current appeals court judge and out of courtesy and respect we will certainly meet with him if he would like to meet with me,” Ayotte said. “I would want to explain my position to the nominee...I would want to give him that courtesy.
Featured Image: Chip Somodevilla