President Obama would enjoy at least one advantage should he wait until Congress' Memorial Day recess next week to announce his Supreme Court nominee.
Republican senators likely to take the lead in responding will be scattered around the country -- and say they don't necessarily have plans to rush back to Washington if a nominee is announced.
An announcement next week at the earliest seems increasingly likely with few signs from the White House that the president is ready to make a decision any time soon. Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said Monday that Obama hadn't yet interviewed any potential candidates.
Jeff Sessions of Alabama, the Senate Judiciary Committee's ranking member, said he doesn't plan to be in Washington next week but wouldn't rule out a sudden return either.
Orrin G. Hatch of Utah was more emphatic about going ahead with his plans to stay in Utah. Asked whether a nomination would prompt his return, he replied. "No, are you kidding?"
Similarly, John Cornyn of Texas, who popped up in the Senate Press Gallery on the night President George W. Bush announced John G. Roberts Jr.'s nomination to the court in 2005, said, "It's probably a little more difficult to respond to questions when people are traveling."
But Cornyn added, "I've got a full schedule in Texas."
A key Democrat would also be missing should the president announce next week. Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont said he will be out of the country on a congressional delegation.
"He doesn't need me," Leahy said.
False modesty aside, Leahy has a point. The president doesn't need Democratic senators cheerleading on announcement day as much as Republicans need a way to counter a White House rollout event.
"If they're out of town, you deny them that forum and deny them access to the national press," said one former Senate aide.
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Comments
I somehow have a feeling that FOX News will able to find Republicans in their home states willing to go on TV to comment on the Supreme Court nominee. This is just stupid.
Posted by: Jerry Skurnik
| May 20, 2009 9:16 AM
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