WASHINGTON (AP) - One Senate Democrat is calling Neil Gorsuch an "illegitimate and extreme nominee" who's been nominated to fill a "stolen seat" on the Supreme Court.
Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon had said even before the nomination of Gorsuch was announced that he would force Republicans to find 60 votes for confirmation.
Democrats are still furious over the decision by Republicans to consider Barack Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland last year to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia.
Accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence, Gorsuch today visited Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell -- who called him "an outstanding appointment" and said Republicans were "thrilled" to get the confirmation process started.
A Senate Judiciary Committee spokesman said the panel hoped to begin confirmation hearings in about six weeks.
