Scalia death sparks political debate over seat
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia quickly turned to political hay, sparking a debate whether the nomination should fall to President Barack Obama or his successor.
The seat should be filled by the next president, said Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader.
"The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice," McConnell said in statement released just hours after Scalia's death was announced. "Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new President."
Republican presidential candidates Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio made similar statements.
"We owe it to him, & the Nation, for the Senate to ensure that the next President names his replacement," Cruz posted on Twitter.
"The next president must nominate a justice who will continue Justice Scalia's unwavering belief in the founding principles that we hold dear," Rubio said in a release.
Democrats disagreed.
Sen. Harry Reid said it would be unprecedented for the court to leave a vacancy for a year.
“The President can and should send the Senate a nominee right away,” Reid posted on Twitter. “The Senate has a responsibility to fill vacancies as soon as possible.”
Obama is likely to make a nomination. He addressed the issue during while sharing his condolences on Scalia's death.
Obama intends to "fulfill my constitutional responsibility to nominate a successor in due time."
The Republican-led Senate would have to confirm any nominee he makes.
