U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) released the following statement today after President Obama announced the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia:
When I climbed the 42 steps of the U.S. Capitol and returned to the Senate following my stroke, I reaffirmed my commitment to represent the people of Illinois in an independent and thoughtful manner, free from the partisanship and political rancor that too often consumes Washington. The Senate’s constitutionally defined role to provide advice and consent is as important as the president’s role in proposing a nominee, and I will assess Judge Merrick Garland based on his record and qualifications.”