Obama mulling a Republican as Supreme Court nominee

A source close to the process said, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, a Republican and former federal judge, was among the possible candidates, but leaders in the Republican-led Senate are likely to be firm in their threat to block anyone he nominates. Indian Americans Sri Srinivasan, Neal Katyal and Kamala Harris were also named by media as potential nominees.

As governor, Sandoval, a 52 year old Mexican-American has taken a traditional Republican stance in support of gun rights, but his more moderate views on social issues could make him an attractive choice for the Democratic president. The February 13 death of long-serving conservative Justice Antonin Scalia created a vacancy on the nine-seat court and ignited a political fight. Scalia’s death left the court with four liberals and four conservatives. 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced on Tuesday the Senate will not hold hearings or vote on any Supreme Court nominee until the next president takes office in January 2017, following the November 8 presidential election. Republicans hope to win back the White House then.