I join millions of Americans in mourning and extending family condolences on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, but I am appalled at Senators McConnell, Ted Cruz and so many other Republicans who are already attempting to nullify the constitutional responsibility and duty of my President to appoint Justice Scalia’s successor. Gentlemen, have you no shame?

It is the responsibility of the Supreme Court to decide many of America’s most contentious cultural issues in accordance with the United States Constitution.  To leave the Court with a paralyzed number of eight justices for nearly  a year for purely political reasons is irresponsible and harmful to our democracy and judiciary.