John Thune has said Senate Republicans are ready to act quickly if a vacancy opens on the US Supreme Court ahead of the midterm elections.
According to CNN, Thune told reporters that the party is prepared to confirm a nominee if needed.
“That’s a contingency I think around here you always have to be prepared for. And if that were to happen, yes, we would be prepared to confirm,” he said.
Despite the comments, discussions within the Republican conference about a potential confirmation process have not yet begun in earnest, sources familiar with the matter said.
Speculation has also emerged about possible nominees if a vacancy arises. Donald Trump is reportedly considering candidates from within Republican ranks, including Ted Cruz.
Trump has previously joked about nominating Cruz, saying he would receive unanimous support because “they want to get him out of there,” referring to the Senate.
There has been no official indication of an imminent vacancy on the court. However, attention has focused on senior justices, including Samuel Alito, 76, and Clarence Thomas, 77.
Thomas has repeatedly dismissed speculation about retirement, and no justice has publicly indicated plans to step down.
