Senator Mitt Romney supports Trump, Republicans secure vote for replacement

Securing the support of one of the last remaining Republican holdout- Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell now officially has the votes to move ahead with President Donald Trump’s pick for the Supreme Court seat left vacant after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Saturday.

“I intend to follow the Constitution and precedent in considering the President’s nominee,” Romney said in a statement. “If the nominee reaches the Senate floor, I intend to vote based upon their qualifications.”

He was joined by Senator Cory Gardner who signalled his intent to proceed with any nomination submitted to the upper chamber of Congress.

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“I have and will continue to support judicial nominees who will protect our Constitution, not legislate from the bench, and uphold the law. Should a qualified nominee who meets these criteria be put forward, I will vote to confirm,” Gardner said.

There was widespread speculation that Romney a frequent critic of Trump would refuse a vote.

Only two Republican Senators- Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has opposed the GOP’s stance to go ahead with a vote on a pre-election Trump pick. However, the party’s 53-47 majority is still just big enough to go ahead.

Meanwhile, Trump confirmed that he will announce his pick for the Supreme Court seat left vacant after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Saturday. “I will be announcing my Supreme Court Nominee on Saturday, at the White House! Exact time TBA,” Trump wrote on Twitter.