The path to a lifelong appointment on the Supreme Court passes through the Senate Judiciary Committee. And with the opening created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia over the weekend, some in the Republican-controlled Senate are hoping to put off a replacement until after the November elections.
Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, who chairs the judiciary committee, says he is in no hurry to confirm a replacement for Justice Scalia.
"I think it'd be very good for the Supreme Court public's understanding," he said, "[for] public input, if this was a very hot issue during the coming election."
But in a conference call with reporters, Grassley declined to say whether he would refuse to hold hearings.
"Well, ask your question again when a nominee comes up," he said, "because I'm going to take this a step at a time."
