As soon as President Donald Trump announced his nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court Tuesday evening, Florida politicians and other leaders came forward with their reaction.
The 49-year-old Gorsuch has served on the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver since 2006, after being appointed by President George W. Bush. He once worked at the Supreme Court as a law clerk.
If approved by the Senate, Gorsuch would take the seat left vacant since Justice Antonin Scalia died last year. He would be the youngest justice since Clarence Thomas joined the court in 1991 at age 43.
Here’s what Florida officials are saying about the nomination:
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio
“Judge Gorsuch is a highly qualified, mainstream jurist, which is why he was unanimously confirmed to the circuit court by the Senate in 2006. By all accounts he has the right temperament and experience for the job, and I’m pleased to see him nominated to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Most importantly, he is committed to the principles of original intent and judicial restraint. This is critical, because too many in the federal judiciary today believe it is appropriate for judges to invent new policies and rights instead of interpreting and defending the Constitution as it is written.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson
"I will base my decision on a full examination of Judge Gorsuch’s judicial record and his responses to senators’ questions.”
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan
"Judge Gorsuch is a terrific choice to replace former Justice Antonin Scalia. Like Justice Scalia, Judge Gorsuch is an intellectual leader who strictly interprets the constitution and does not believe in judicial activism.
“I hope his impeccable legal credentials and the fact that he was confirmed without opposition by the Senate in 2006 will lead to a fair and balanced nomination hearing in the Senate. At age 49, he is the youngest nominee in 25 years and could leave a positive legacy for the country.”
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis
"Judge Neil Gorsuch is a steadfast conservative who has dedicated much of his life to upholding the Constitution. I applaud President Trump's decision to nominate him to the U.S. Supreme Court, filling the seat of the great constitutional scholar, Antonin Scalia. Judge Gorsuch will serve the court and the American people well. I hope my colleagues in the U.S. Senate confirm him quickly so the court can carry on its work with a full bench."
Gov. Rick Scott
"Great pick to the Supreme Court by President Trump!"
Attorney General Pam Bondi
“I'm thrilled with Gorsuch -- will base decisions on law and Constitution-not own policy preferences or personal feelings.”
Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran
"@realDonaldTrump - true to his word - nominated a judge worthy of the Scalia legacy & committed to the separation of powers. #HomeRun"
Florida Senate President Pro Tempore Anitere Flores
“Today, our President made what will be remembered as the most important decision of his Presidency. I applaud the commitment of President Trump to nominate a United States Supreme Court Justice who is a strict Constitutionalist. The U.S. Constitution is a living and breathing document, which holds the founding principles of this nation. I support a prompt confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch because he will not only uphold the importance of the Constitution; he will be a leading and uncompromising conservative voice on the highest court in the nation."
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Blaise Ingoglia
"The President’s campaign movement was largely motivated by 'draining the swamp' and by the opportunity of appointing a Supreme Court Justice. Today, our Commander in Chief delivered on his promise of a Justice in the mold of the late Antonin Scalia. We believe Neil Gorsuch will be an ardent defender of conservatism, and champion the true original intent of our nation’s most sacred document, the Constitution of the United States."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
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