Senator Kelly Ayotte will meet with Judge Merrick Garland today, but don’t be fooled by this blatantly political photo op. Ayotte only agreed to meet with Garland after weeks of scathing editorials, statewide protests imploring Ayotte to do her job, and numerous polls showing Granite Staters want the Senate to fill the Supreme Court vacancy.
And though Ayotte is meeting with Garland, she hasn’t budged from her staunch political obstruction of the constitutional process. Ayotte still opposes holding hearings or votes on Judge Garland, and is only meeting with Garland to explain to his face why she’s putting politics above his nomination.
Ayotte’s home state press is once again calling her out for her transparent political maneuvering.
From Foster’s Daily Democrat:
We’re not sure why Ayotte is even going through the motions. She has firmly joined the ranks of Republicans who vow there will be no Senate hearings on Garland’s nomination until after a new president in elected in November.
…The U.S. Senate should never be confused with charm school, but Ayotte’s “courtesy and respect” shtick rings more than a little hollow to our ears. Why bother with pleasantries if you have no intention of taking this nomination seriously?
…We agree it’s time to give Garland a hearing.
“Don’t be fooled by the dog and pony show Senator Kelly Ayotte is holding today – she is still choosing unprecedented constitutional obstruction over doing her job,” said Lauren Passalacqua, DSCC National Press Secretary. “Granite Staters want Ayotte to do her job, and in November, voters will turn out to elect a Senator who actually will.”
