Illinois U.S. Senator Mark Kirk says he hopes his meeting with President Obama’s Supreme Court pick will influence his fellow Republicans.
Senator Kirk did something today in Washington other Republican senators had said they would not do. Kirk had a meeting with Judge Merrick Garland, Obama’s pick to replace Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February.
"I think when you just say, ‘I’m not gonna meet with him’ and all that, it’s too closed-minded."
Kirk has said Republicans should at least vote yes or no on Garland’s appointment, rather than follow through on their threats to not have a confirmation hearing.
Kirk’s up against Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth this November. Duckworth’s campaign released a statement saying Kirk should put more pressure on Republican Senate leaders for a vote.