Dear Senate: Time to #DoYourJob

President Barack Obama has fulfilled his constitutional duty and nominated Merrick Garland to replace the deceased Antonin Scalia on the U.S. Supreme Court. Garland is an experienced jurist, respected throughout Washington. He is qualified for the position, serving currently as the Chief Justice of the D.C. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. He is considered a moderate-left, fair judge. He lead the prosecution of the Oklahoma City bombing. There can be disagreement about his decisions, and about whether or not he is the right person for the bench. There can not be disagreement about his qualifications, or the legitimacy of his nomination.

The Senate does not have to give it's consent, as many Republicans point out. They are right, this is a heavy choice that Senators get to make. They must, however, make a choice. They must give Judge Garland a fair hearing and vote. If they choose to not do so, they are failing to do their duty as public officials, and they are betraying our country. This man is qualified for office. He deserves a vote.

As a matter of opinion, Merrick Garland deserves confirmation. President Obama is the President, he is right to make this nomination. Judge Garland is the kind of nominee we usually agree on. I would urge Senators Toomey, Ayotte, Kirk, Portman, Johnson, and others to approve this man. Failure to do so will be an issue in this Fall's elections, as well it should be. They would be leaving a seat vacant for nearly a year or more, crippling the court's ability to act on the tough matters. This will have negative impacts on justice across our nation. It's time for the Senate to act. It's time for the Senate to confirm Merrick Garland.