Crucial Republicans are now weighing in with how they will vote in moving forward to fill the Supreme Court vacancy.

As we have already reported, both Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said they believed the vote should be held off until after the election. It remains to be seen if, despite saying that, they would still vote if it was held before.

Because now, it appears, with the word in from Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) that the GOP may have enough people. They could give three and still break a tie with Pence. It would appear at this point they’re only down two. We’ve yet to hear in from Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT).

Both Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) indicated they would vote on a nominee.

Now Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), the former chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee is weighing in with his statement. Some had questioned as to whether he would go along with a vote in an election year.

The decision whether to hold a hrg/vote on a SupCt nominee is made by the Judic Cmte Chair+ Majority Ldr & they have made their decision. Once a hrg is under way it’s been my job to review the qualifications of the nominee & thats what I'll do now. I'll vote based on her merits

— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) September 21, 2020

Grassley explains why they held off in 2016 and why they shouldn’t hold off now.

With a divided govt in 2016 there was ambiguity about what the American ppl wanted for the direction of the Supreme Court/ voters expanded republican majority in 2018 election after 2 Trump scotus confirmations There’s no ambiguity now w Republican Senate & president

— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) September 21, 2020

He also blasted the Democrats for their threats to pack the court or do away with the filibuster if they didn’t get their way.

Democrats don’t like that the American ppl elected Pres Trump & GOP Senate in 2016+2018 Democrats threatening to eliminate the filibuster/pack the courts bc Republicans are doing as the Constitution allows shows they will say/do anything if they don’t get their way

— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) September 21, 2020

Exactly. Hopefully, Americans are in tune with what’s going on and can see Democrats for the craven power hungry folks here, willing to destroy all norms to grab back power.

The Republicans were in accordance with history with their positions now and in 2016. It’s Democrats demanding in 2016 that a Senate of the opposite party didn’t have a right to not act and it’s the same Democrats right now claiming that the GOP Senate doesn’t have a right to do act now when they clearly do. It’s the Democrats subverting the Constitution and the intents of the checks and balances.