Possible choice of Nevada governor a test for Senate GOP

WASHINGTON (AP) — The possible choice of Nevada Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval for the Supreme Court vacancy would give President Barack Obama a shot at breaking Senate Republicans’ blockade of any election-year confirmation.

Sandoval is Nevada’s first Hispanic governor and a supporter of abortion rights. His nomination would test the unified GOP caucus’ insistence that voters in November and the next president make the lifetime appointment to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Two people familiar with the process say the White House is considering the 52-year-old Sandoval.

The two people declined to be named because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly about the situation.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, says that regardless of whom Obama nominates, the next president will decide who should be nominated to replace Scalia.

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